Established in 2018 (as the RIC Language Center) by Dr. Edward Devere Bacon of Rangsit University International College, it was originally set up as a peer-assisted learning (PAL) center for the faculty to aid international students with their English communication skills. Fast forward to 6 years later, it is now Rangsit University's official PAL centre, where thousands of students come each week to develop their English skills. This is now a collaborative academic program between RELI and RIC, with Dr. Edward Devere Bacon (RIC) acting as Director, and Aj. Gary Ambito Torremucha (RELI) acting as Deputy Director.
In order to align with Rangsit University's motto of "Creating a giving and sharing society," RIC students who are enrolled in the following courses are expected to volunteer at the RSU PAL Centre for one hour each week for this 10-week program (from Week 4 to Week 13):
- ENL/ILE 125: English for Global Exploration
- ENL/ILE 126: English in TED
- ENL/ILE 127: English at Work
- RSU/IRS 127: Intercultural Communication
There are plans to expand this academic program to other courses next academic year (and every year thereafter) – with the eventual goal by the academic year of 2570 to have a minimum of 20,000 RSU/RIC students each year to attend this PAL centre.
At the beginning of each academic term, groups of Thai students are randomly paired up with mentors in the International College. However, if students wish to have a specific mentor that is possible as well. If you wish to do this, please let a member of the student management team know and they can set this up for you. Additionally, by the Summer Term, we are hoping to have mentor profiles (with images) on the website, that way students can more easily select their mentors. Please stay tuned!
If you would like more information about the RSU PAL Centre, please contact Poe Theingi Khaing (Helen).
The RSU PAL Centre is located in Building 7 (Library Building), in room 101. The mailing address is the following: 52/347 Phahonyothin Rd, Tambon Lak Hok, Amphoe Mueang Pathum Thani, Chang Wat Pathum Thani 12000
Yes, as of now we have four papers published in academic journals. The following two papers are published in Thailand's TCI-indexed journals:
- Bacon, E.D. (2020). Development of English Grammar and Writing Skills Based on Participation in a Peer-assisted Learning Center. Human, Behavior and Society, 21(2), 81-89.
- Bacon, E.D., Boundy, T. (2020). Utilizing Peer Feedback by Synthesizing a Peer-Assisted Learning Center with an English Course to Develop English Grammar and Academic Writing Skills. Rangsit Journal of Educational Studies, 7(1), 34-45. DOI: 10.14456/rjes.2020.11
The following two papers are published in international Scopus-indexed journals:
- Bacon, E.D., Satienchayakorn, N. & Prakaiborisuth, P. (2021). Integrating Seamless Learning within a Peer-Assisted Learning Center to Develop Student English Academic Writing Skills. rEFLections, 28(2), 147-167.
- Bacon, E.D., and Maneerutt, G. (2024). Enhancing EFL Academic Writing through AI and Peer-assisted Learning. Journal of Institutional Research South East Asia, 22(3), 282-314.
There are ambitious plans to have additional academic papers published in other international Scopus-index journals by the end of 2025!