Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Communication blame lies with the parents
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 25/02/2025
» A recent parade of mothers and grandmothers in my neighbourhood showing off babies, seemingly as status accessories and symbols, highlights a problem with communication that should concern many adults.
Critical thinking skills under AI pressure
News, Mariano Carrera, Published on 18/02/2026
» In January, I had some rather interesting conversations, specifically about thinking and learning. Students related to me the uncomfortable issue of learning in a time of seemingly exponential change caused by AI. There is a growing disconnect: they feel like human learners held back by antiquated systems, even while society appears to be hyper-focused on technology. Students are experiencing problems with thinking and learning in a seemingly contradictory environment.
Students need a dose of curiosity
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 31/08/2021
» Students need to be curious to engage and learn. Therefore, tertiary education in Thailand needs to focus more on curiosity to produce the quality of professionals society needs. However, from my experience in the Thai tertiary system, student engagement and learning are limited except for only some elite programs. Sometimes deliberately so. Wander around universities and listen to the discussions. Ask a few penetrative questions in the hallways and cafeterias around using what is taught -- note the responses. Few would reach applying or analysing levels in Bloom's Taxonomy. Rote learning requires little effort by lecturers and learners. Academics could focus on research and other jobs while students focus on passing exams.
Graduate roles mired in confusion
News, Mariano Carrera, Published on 22/08/2022
» Researching how to prepare Thai undergraduates for work, I realise that students are facing many contradictions which makes facing the employment market even more daunting.
Benefits of old ways of teaching
News, Mariano Carrera, Published on 14/02/2023
» In a time of ChatGPT and social media, we often overlook some of the older and still reliable methods of teaching, such as using pens and paper in class, which is the classic way for teachers to get to know their students better. Sounds contradictory?
School holidays are for learning
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 06/04/2023
» School holidays are a time for students to learn something different from what they study at school. They can learn some practical skills, or learn about subjects that interest them. By continually learning, children grow into adults who are aware of their environment and are open to learning more. They can adapt to the changing environment and "roll with the flow". Baby boomers, in particular, like to boast about their ability to change jobs and lifestyles easily when things don't go their way. Sadly, school holidays are not seen as a learning opportunity but rather a period of relaxation (for some) and enforced babysitting for others. This is confusing, especially when with shortening innovation cycles, continuous learning is now more important than ever.
How to get more from Thai teachers
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 27/12/2023
» There are many shortcomings in the Thai education system; however, for improvements, a good place to start might be with the teachers.
Good intentions holding back uni students
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 11/05/2024
» Good intentions are robbing students of their true potential. While it might seem contradictory, giving our students more opportunities to challenge themselves actually leads to a better understanding of the requirements of a fulfilling life, academic material, and social interactions.
3 key questions for hiring Gen Z graduates
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 10/10/2024
» There have always been questions about how to hire Gen Z graduates -- those born between 1997 and 2012. The debate has often included some variation of, "Young people nowadays don't work like we do."
Communication is a must for students
Oped, Mariano Carrera, Published on 29/08/2025
» Take a look at any restaurant where a group may be at a table. Members may be communicating with each other by text even though they are physically next to each other. Some not even sharing. An increasing number of young couples are not staring into each other's eyes but rather at their phones! We live in a time where interaction is ever-present, but true connection is absent.