Current state and guidelines for development of Thai teachers teaching in English program in Thailand

Abstract

Although a number of previous studies have explored the current state and guidelines for development of teachers teaching in English Program, little research has been conducted regarding beliefs and practices of Thai teachers in the program. This study aimed to investigate the issues addressed above from 34 Thai teachers teaching in English Program at Saunkularb Wittayalai Thonburi School and Saint Gabriel’s College. The results of a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview showed that the teachers’ educational background was consistent with their responsible subject and the majority of the teachers had 1 – 5 years of teaching experience in English Program. The teachers agreed with the goal of the program to make students achieve a high level of English language proficiency while maintaining their native proficiency in Thai. They focused more on academic content than the English language and believed that students have a higher level of English proficiency in reading and listening skills than writing and speaking skills. The guidelines for development of Thai teachers teaching in the program regarding language, balancing between language and content, and learners were also discussed in the study.