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Monday, April 21, 2025

Dr. Sarath Withanarachchi Samaranayake's Resume

 Detailed Resume

 

Dr. SARATH WITHANARACHCHI SAMARANAYAKE 

45, Pride of Ceylon, Mayadunna Mawatha, Athurugiriya. Sri Lanaka                 

Email: sarathsamaranayake41@gmail.com

   

As an experienced English lecturer in the education management field, I have developed a diverse skill set in e-learning, lecturing, educational technology, curriculum development, and teacher training. I possess a doctoral degree in Linguistics from the University of South Africa. Throughout my teaching career, I have researched various topics related to English acquisition and teaching in different EFL contexts, including Thailand. On a contractual basis, I worked as an English Lecturer in the Department of International Language Teaching at the Faculty of Education, Sanam Chandra Palace Campus, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, with my contract set to conclude on 16th July 2025.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Date of birth

19.05.1961

Passport No

P0347046

Nationality

Sri Lankan

Date of issue

11. 04. 2025

Gender

Male

Date of expiry

11. 04. 2035

·       My passport will be renewed during this month.

EDUCATION

2007-2010              BA (Honors) in TESOL, University of South Africa.

2010-2012              MA in TESOL, University of South Africa.

                               Thesis: The Effects of Authentic materials using role-playing activities on oral

                                proficiency: A case study of Thai undergraduate students – (available at

                                uir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/6029).

                                Supervisor: Mrs. Tuli. Petla Shandu.

2013-2017              Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of South Africa.

                               Thesis: Academic Writing Issues of Foundation Level Students:

                               The Effectiveness of Context-Specific Teaching Materials Using a Process 

                               genre approach to writing-(available at uir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/22795).

                               Supervisor: Dr. Carien Wilsenach

TEACHING AND RESEARCH INTERESTS

·       English for Academic purposes

·       Conversational English

·       Business Communication

·       Academic writing

·       IELTS Preparation courses

·       Discourse analysis

·       EFL/ESL Pedagogy

·       L2 acquisition

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2019 - 2025            English Lecturer, Department of International Language

                               Silpakorn University, Thailand      

                                Course Titles:

1.     Advisor for MA in TEFL program- 2023 Up to date (Two graduate

students are under my supervision. They have been conducting two studies relevant to the speaking and listening skills of grade 5 and 6 school students.               

                                 2. Academic English Writing for the MA in TEFL program 1st year

                                 3. Advanced English Writing for BA English major 4th year.

                                 4. Introduction to English Literature for BA English major 3rd year.

                                 5. English for Everyday Use for BA Educational Technology major 1st

                                     year.

                                 6. Teaching Practicum- Supervisor of BA English Major Course since July

                                     2019 up to date.

2012-2017                English Lecturer, University of Technology and Applied Sciences-

                                  Shinas, Oman.

                                 Course Title: Foundation and post-foundation programs.

                                 Primary language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) and

                                 projects and presentations to post-foundation level

                                 Technical Writing 1 and 11 for the post-foundation program.

                                 Prepared teaching materials for reading and writing skills

2006-2012               English Lecturer, Department of Languages and Linguistics, Prince of

                                Songkhla University, Thailand  

                                Course Title: Conversational English for undergraduate students.

                                TOFLE and IELTS preparation courses.

                                English Conversation Course for the General Public.

                                English for restaurant owners and hawkers.

                                English Language Listening and Speaking Course for undergraduate

                                 students.                                                         

1999-2006              English Instructor, Advanced Technological Institute, Sri Lanka

                                Course Title: Business Communication

                                Taught Business Communication to students studying in the National and

                                Higher National Diploma in Accountancy, Management, Business Studies

                                and English.            

1999.1-1999.4         English Instructor, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

                                Course Title: English Intensive Course for Freshmen (One Semester)

                                Taught English Intensive Course to Freshmen.

1991-1993              English Instructor, Non-formal Education Centre, Maldives

                               Course Title: English for government officials.

                               Taught General English to government officials.

                               Taught basic-level English to the professional staff in the Maldives

                               Electricity Board.

1987-1991             English Teacher, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka

                              Study program: Primary and secondary schools’ English Language

                              Taught English as a Second Language as per the school curriculum.

1984-1985             English Assistant Teacher, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka

                              Study program: Primary schools’ English Language.

                              Taught English as a Second Language as per the school curriculum.                                                                                                                                                  

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

1983.1-1983.12     Certificate in Professional English, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

1986-1988             Govt English Specialist Trained Teacher Certificate, Sri Lanka.

1990                       First Certificate in English, University of Cambridge, UK.

1991-1992              Dip in TEFL, The Scottish International School, UK.

2005.1-2005.12      Certificate in Computer-Based Multi-Media Material Production,

                                National Institute of Technical Education of Sri Lanka.

2006.9-2006.10       Certificate in TEFL, Text and Talk Academy, Thailand.

2015 July-August    Certificate in Teaching with Technology and Inquiry: An Open Course

                                for Teachers. (https://courses.edx.org/dashboard ), University of Toronto

                                through edX (Online course). 

2015 September      Certificate in Introduction to Teaching English as a Second. Language

                                (https://alison.com/profile/ ), ALISON-Advanced Learning Interactive

                                 System Online.

2015 September      Diploma in Basic English for Business and Tourism, ALISON-Advanced

                                Learning an Interactive System Online. 

2015 October          Certificate in Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers.

                                ALISON-Advanced Learning Interactive System Online.

2015 October          Certificate in Speaking and Writing English Effectively, Alison.

2015 November      Certificate in Instructional Planning for Successful Teaching, Alison. 

2015 November      Certificate in Motivating Students to Learn, Alison.

2015 December      Certificate in Understanding Students' Development and Diversity,

                                Alison.

2015 December      Certificate in English for Teaching Purposes, University of Barcelona

                                through Coursera.org 

2015 December    Certificate in Blended Learning Essentials: Getting Started, University of

                              Leeds through FutureLearn.

2017 October        UCl 1x: Understanding Classroom Interaction- A course of study offered

                              by PnnX, an online learning initiative of the University of Pennsylvania

                              through edX.

2018 January        ColWri2.2x: Academic and Business Writing course offered by Berkeley

                              X, an online learning initiative of the University of California through edX 

2018 March          EDSCl 1x: The Science of Learning- What Every Teacher Should Know

                             (20 hours of professional learning) – A course offered by Teachers College X,

                              An online initiative of Teachers College, Columbia University, through edX.

2018 March          Certified Publons Academy Peer Reviewer.

2018 April            Lang 101x: Language Revival: Securing the Future of Endangered

                             Languages- A Course offered by AdelaideX, an online course learning

                             initiative of the University of Adelaide through edX,

2018 May            Assessment in Higher Education: Professional Development for Teachers

                             by Erasmus University Rotterdam on Coursera.

2018 June            Teaching Adult Learners: An online course offered by the Government of

                            Western Australia North Metropolitan TAFE and delivered through

                            Open2Study. (https://www.open2study.com/user)

2018 July-Aug    Education in a Changing World: An online course offered by the Government of

                            Western Australia North Metropolitan TAFE and delivered through

                            Open2Study.

2018 July-Aug     Sociology: An online course offered by the Government of Western Australia

                             North Metropolitan TAFE, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 July-Aug     Becoming a Confident Trainer: An online course offered by the Government

                             of Western Australia North Metropolitan TAFE and delivered through

                             Open2Study.

2018 July-Aug     Emergency Management: An online course offered by the Government of

                             Western Australia North Metropolitan TAFE and delivered through

                             Open2Study.

2018 August        Essay and report writing skills: A course offered by the Open University of

                             the UK.

2018 Aug-Sep     Understanding the Origin of Crime: An online course offered by Griffith

                            University, Australia, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Aug-Sep     Innovation for Powerful Outcomes: An online course offered by Swinburne

                            University of Technology, Australia, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Aug-Sep     Foundations of Psychology: An online course offered by RMIT University,

                            Australia and delivered through Open2Study. 

2018 Aug-Sep     Early Childhood Education: An online course offered by Gowrie Victoria

                            Institute, Australia, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Sep-Oct    Becoming Human: Anthropology: An online course offered by Macquarie

                          University, Australia, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Sep-Oct     Microbiology and Forensic Science: An online course offered by Jordan

                           University of Science and Technology, Jordan, and delivered through

                           Open2Study.

2018 Sep-Oct     Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: An online course offered by Macquarie

                            Graduate School of Management, Australia, and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Oct-Nov   Leadership: Identity, Influence, and Power: An online course offered by

                          Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Australia, and delivered through

                          Open2Study.

2018 Oct-Nov   Climate Change: An online course offered by Macquarie University, Australia

                          and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Oct-Nov   Marine and Antarctic Science: An online course offered by the University of

                          Tasmania and delivered through Open2Study.

2018 Dec          Indigenous Studies: Australia and New Zealand: An online course offered by

                          The University of Massey and the University of Tasmania delivered through

                          Open2Study.

Certification by the Elsevier Research Academy

25.01.2019            A Guide to Journal Citation Metrics

02.10.2018            Diversity in peer review.

27.08.2018            Making academia-industry collaborations work.

20.06.2018            Make the most of your research: Publish your data & Methods.

13.06.2018            Systematic Reviews 101

12.04.2018          “I don’t know what to believe…”: Making Sense of Science Stories

26.01.2018            Conference skills for researchers.

08.01.2016            How to review a manuscript.

26.11.2015            Peer review in Asia: Special tips for Reviewers.

22.01.2016            How to get published: preparing your manuscript.

22.01.2016            How to get published: Using proper scientific language.

12.02.2016            How to write a lay summary: Improving research impact.

04.03.2016            Getting your paper noticed: Promoting your research for making an impact.

08.01.2016            Structuring your article.

05.02.2016            Plagiarism.

04.03.2016            Content ownership.

19.05.2017            Gender Bias in Academic Publishing.

01.03.2017            10 Tips for Writing a truly terrible journal article.

21.12.2017             How to write an abstract and improve your article.

12.09.2017             Make a Career in Research

13.05.2017             Why write a book

19.12.2016             Creating a good research data management plan

12.12.2016             Data citation: How can you, as a researcher, benefit from citing

18.11.2017             5 diseases ailing research- How to cure them

17.03.2017            How to get your book published

08.03.2017.           The Nuts & Bolts of Peer Review: A Discussion by Biomaterials Editors 

PUBLICATIONS IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS

1.     Samaranayake, S. W., Thienpermpool, P., Kositchaivat, S. (2025). Investigating an

       Adapted process genre writing model and its implications for undergraduate Thai

       students. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics,

       10(1), 73−90. http://dx.doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v10i1.1852

2.     Samaranayake, S. W. (2024). The Impact of Online Tutoring on Oral English

       Proficiency of Adult Thai Learners. International Journal of Lifelong Education,

       43(4), 448−463. https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2024.2358918 

3.     Samaranayake, S. W., Kositchaivat, S., & Prasansaph, S. (2024). EFL/ESL Tertiary-Level

       Learners are No Longer Required to Repeat the Same Dialogues in Speaking Classes:

       A Case Study from Thai University. Indonesian Journal of English Language

       Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 179197. 

       http://dx.doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v9i1.1686 

4.     Samaranayake, S. W., Thienpermpool, P., Kositchaivat, S., & Jantarach, V. (2023). Can

       TED Talks Help Improve Undergraduate Non-English Major Thai EFL Students

       Listening and Speaking Competencies? Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

       Research in Asia, 29(1), 35-53. 

5.     Samaranayake, S. W., Kositchaivat, S., & Thienpermpool, P. (2022). Effectiveness of In-

       House Materials on Academic Reading Proficiency of College-Level Omani Students.

       Arab English World Journal, 13(4), 454-467.  

       https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no4.30

6.     Samaranayake, S.W., Suneeta, K., & Jantarach, V. (2022). An Investigation into the

       Teaching Practices and Material Effects on Student Outcomes: A Case Study from

       Oman. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics,

       7(1), 141-158. http://dx.doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v7i1.1253

7.     Samaranayake, S.W., Suneeta, K., & Vachira, J. (2022). The Effects of Reading Habits on

       Test Performance by Foundation-level Omani Students. Arab World English Journal,

       13 (2) 37- 49. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no2.3

8.     Samaranayake, S. W., Thienpermpool, P. (2021). Effects of an in-house entry test on the

       Post-Foundation Students at an Omani College of Technology. Arab World English

       Journal, 12 (4), 37-49. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.13

9.     Samaranayake, S. W. (2016). Oral Competency of ESL/EFL Learners in Sri Lankan Rural

                 School Context. SAGE Open, 6(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/1177/215824401665420  

10.  Samaranayake, S. W., & Gabayno, J. J. (2014). The Effects of Writing Intervention

       Program on Foundation Level Students at Shinas College of Technology, Oman. Arab

       World English Journal, 5 (4), 131-145.

http://awej.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=579:sarath-w-samaranayake-joaquin-jr-gabayno&catid=53&Itemid=152

11.  Samaranayake, S.W. (2010). The exploitation of literary texts in teaching ESL/EFL. The

       English Language Teacher, MELTA, 39, 205-221.

      www.melta.org.my/ET/2010/article%2011.pdf                          

PUBLICATIONS (BOOKS)

1.     Samaranayake, S. W., Gabayno, J. J., & Sultan, B. (2017). The Effects of Writing

       Intervention on Omani Students. Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. KG,

       Germany.

https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/gb/book/978-3-330-03392-4/the-effects-of-a-writing-intervention-on-omani-students

2.     Samaranayake, S. W. (2012). A new dimension to Role-plays: Real-world activities for

       EFL learners. Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.

              https://www.morebooks.de/store/gb/book/a-new-dimension-to-role-plays:real-world-      

            activities-for-EFL-learners/ISBN/978-3-659-19440-5

PRESENTATIONS

1.     Sarath W. Samaranayake. Reading in an EFL Context. On August 4th, 18th, and 25th, 2018, a guest lecture was conducted for three batches of Secondary School English Teachers in Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand, at the English Language Seminar organized by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University.

2. Joaquin Jr. Gabayno and Sarath W. Samaranayake. Utilizing Simple, Effective, Practical Guides in Teaching Reading to Omani Learners. Classroom practice-oriented the presentation was conducted at the TESOL in Oman: Innovations, Challenges and Future Perspectives Symposium held at Middle East College, Oman, on the 23rd of February 2017. 

3. Sarath W. Samaranayake and Joaquin Jr. Gabayno. Academic writing issues offoundation-level students in Oman. A paper was presented at the 12th Asia TEFL and 23rd MELTA International Conference held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from 28th30th of August 2014.


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

June 2007                Member, TeflAsia

To present

ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

2013-2014               Was a member of the Action Research Committee of ELC, Shinas College

                                 of Technology (ShCT).

2013-2014               Was a member of the Testing Unit-ELC, ShCT.

2013-2017               Was a member of the Quality Assurance Team- ELC, ShCT.

2014-2017               Was a member of the Materials Writing Committee-ELC, ShCT.

2014-2017               I was a peer reviewer for the Research Council of Oman.

2016-                       Was a peer reviewer for the International Journal of ELT.

To present

2017 - Engaged in material writing for the Foundation Program at Level 2 ELC, ShCT. 

2017- Engaged in writing support materials (Reading level 4), ELC, ShCT.

Since 2023, I have been a peer reviewer and an article editor for the SAGE Open Journal.

Affiliation with peer-reviewed journals as a reviewer/Article Editor

I am a Certified Publons Academy Peer Reviewer (https://publons.com/author/1419342/dr-sarath-withanarachchi-samaranayake#profile)

Scopus Author ID: 18838334300  

ORCID ID:  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6352-726X

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=okfQWg4AAAAJ&hl=en

Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/I-9360-2019

Researcher ID: 1-9360-2019

REFERENCES    1. Asst. Prof. Dr. Suneeta Kositchaivat

                                   Department of International Language Teaching

                                   Sanam Chandra Palace Campus

                                   Silpakorn University

                                   Nakhon Pathom. Email: sxuneeta@hotmail.com

                                   Contact No: +66823603039

                2. Dr. Mantana Pandee

                    Head of the Department

                    Department of International Language Teaching

                    Sanam Chandra Palace Campus

                    Silpakorn University

                    Email: manthanap@hotmail.com  

                                  Contact No: +66814436306                           

                              3. Dr. Pateera Thienperpool

                                 Graduate Coordinator                            

                                 Department of International Language Teaching

                                 Sanam Chandra Palace Campus

                                 Silpakorn University

                                 Email: thienpermpool@gmail.co

                                 Contact No: +66914951941

DECLARATION

                                 I do now certify that the information stated above in my curriculum vitae

                                 is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

                                 Signature                               Date: 4/22/2025                                                 

                                 

                                 (Sarath Withanarachchi Samaranayake)

 

My Teaching, Research, and Service Philosophy 

Teaching Philosophy 

 As an educator, I believe in creating an inclusive and captivating learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning among students. My teaching approach is grounded in three key principles: student-centered learning, experiential learning, and ethical and global perspectives. 

1. Student-Centered Learning: I make it a priority to understand each student's unique background, learning style, and goals to tailor my teaching methods accordingly. I incorporate active learning techniques, real-world examples, and collaborative projects to empower students to take ownership of their education and apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. 

2. Experiential Learning: I am a strong supporter of hands-on experiences and experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether through internships, research projects, or simulations, these experiences reinforce academic knowledge and cultivate essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. 

3. Ethical and Global Perspectives: I incorporate ethical considerations and global perspectives into my curriculum to responsibly prepare students to navigate diverse societal and cultural contexts. By fostering discussions on ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility, I aim to develop well-rounded professionals who can make positive contributions to their communities. 

Research Philosophy 

My research philosophy is centered on advancing knowledge in L2 acquisition through rigorous inquiry, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key aspects of my approach include: 

1. Impactful Scholarship: I aim to conduct research that addresses significant challenges and contributes to theoretical advancements and practical solutions. My research efforts are characterized by a balance of fundamental inquiry and applied research that can benefit industry, policy, or society. 

2. Collaborative Endeavors: I prioritize collaborative research partnerships within and beyond academia, as they enhance perspectives and drive innovation. Actively seeking interdisciplinary collaborations allows me to leverage diverse expertise in effectively addressing complex research questions. 

3. Dissemination and Engagement: I prioritize sharing my research findings through reputable publications and conferences to reach academic and professional communities. Additionally, I am dedicated to engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to ensure that my research has meaningful impacts and promotes evidence-based decision-making. Service Philosophy:  Service to the academic community, profession, and society is integral to my role as an assistant professor. I approach service with dedication, integrity, and a collaborative spirit, focusing on: 

1. Academic Leadership: I am committed to contributing actively to departmental and university governance, participating in committees, and supporting initiatives that enhance academic experience and institutional excellence. 

2. Professional Engagement: I believe in giving back to my profession through leadership roles in professional associations, reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals, and mentoring early career scholars to foster a vibrant scholarly community. 

3. Community Outreach: I recognize the importance of community engagement and strive to apply my expertise to address societal challenges through outreach activities, partnerships with local organizations, and initiatives that promote education and knowledge dissemination beyond academia.