The Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, was invited by the Thai Neuroscience Society and the Institute of Molecular Biosciences (MB), Mahidol University, to organize an “Innovative Learning Workshop” as part of the 29th Annual Conference of Thai Neuroscience Society (TNS29), held from August 5–7, 2026, at Amari Bang Saen Hotel, Chonburi.
The workshop, held on August 5, 2026, at the Andaman 3 Room, provided participants with an opportunity to explore innovative learning through hands-on scientific activities that connected scientific concepts with practical applications. The workshop was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Chailerd Pichitpornchai, M.D., Ph.D., Asst. Prof. Pirom Chenprakhon, Ph.D., Dr. Supan Yodyingyong, Ph.D., and the workshop team.
One of the key activities introduced participants to silica aerogel and oil-absorbing materials, allowing them to learn about and experiment with the materials and their production processes. The activities highlighted how learning innovation can connect scientific knowledge with real-world environmental challenges. In particular, the development of silica aerogel and oil-absorbing sheets was presented as an alternative approach with potential applications in oil absorption in the event of crude oil spills from subsea pipelines. The session on these materials was presented by Dr. Supan Yodyingyong, Ph.D.
The workshop also featured a hands-on Bath Bomb activity led by Asst. Prof. Pirom Chenprakhon, Ph.D. Through this activity, participants learned about the principles of acid–base reactions and explored how temperature control can affect the reaction process. The activity was designed to transform scientific concepts into an engaging learning experience, enabling participants to learn through direct experimentation and observation.
The Innovative Learning Workshop demonstrated the Institute for Innovative Learning’s approach to experiential and hands-on learning, in which participants actively engage with scientific concepts through experimentation and practical activities. By connecting theory with practice, the workshop created opportunities for participants to develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles while recognizing their potential applications in real-world contexts.
The Institute’s participation in TNS29 also reflects its contribution to advancing innovative approaches to learning beyond traditional educational settings. Through the integration of hands-on activities, scientific inquiry, and contextualized learning, IL supports the development of learning experiences that encourage curiosity, experimentation, problem-solving, and the practical application of knowledge.
The workshop further strengthened collaboration between the Institute for Innovative Learning, the Thai Neuroscience Society, and the Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, demonstrating the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to create meaningful learning experiences within an international academic forum.
Through initiatives such as the Innovative Learning Workshop, the Institute for Innovative Learning continues to contribute its expertise in learning innovation, experiential learning, and educational design, creating learning experiences that connect knowledge with practice and support the development of learners who can apply knowledge creatively and effectively to real-world challenges.
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