Khon Kaen University (KKU), through its Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN (IRDTP), has kicked off the first phase of its fifth annual professional development program for educators. The event, held online via Zoom from September 27-28, is a collaborative effort with the Teachers' Council of Thailand and Japan's National Institute for School Teachers and Staff Development (NITS).

This initiative is a key component of KKU's policy to provide academic services that leverage knowledge, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. The comprehensive five-phase program is designed to train participants in the Transformative Lesson Study incorporated with Open Approach (TLSOA), an innovative model for classroom management and professional growth.

The program offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about classroom management practices in Japan and to exchange knowledge with both Thai and Japanese experts.

The opening ceremony featured several distinguished speakers. Professor Dr. Pewpan Maleewong, KKU's Vice President for Research and Innovation, delivered a welcome address highlighting the project's significance. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phongthanat Sae-joo, Director of IRDTP, and Mr. Kiyoshi Saito, Vice President of NITS, also offered welcoming remarks to the attendees. The program was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonwan Werathummo, Secretary-General of the Teachers' Council of Thailand.

The two-day session included special lectures from leading experts. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha, a high-caliber researcher at IRDTP, spoke on analyzing Classroom Continuity through open class observations. Mr. Uk Inprasitha, an expert in professional development at the institute, presented on Japanese classroom design using the Tobibako (vaulting horse) concept to illustrate continuous lesson planning. Professor Mitamura from the University of Fukui, Japan, led a session on reading and understanding the key elements of classroom records (Jyugyo Kiroku).

In addition to lectures, the event included practical workshops where participants broke into groups to discuss and design School Improvement Plans. These plans outline strategies for classroom development and identify tangible evidence of progress.

The program attracted 42 participants from 12 schools, including school directors, deputy directors, teachers, and educational supervisors.

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