MOOC-ing around ‘Englishes’ by Thai students: applying the GELT framework

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study attempted to broaden understanding on the origin and present roles of English and support the notion of Global Englishes (GE) using a tailor-made Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). The designed instructional materials and media such as motion graphics and interview videos were developed to broaden their understanding about the origin and present roles of English and its use in multilingual communities. A one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed to measure students’ attitudes after the MOOC implementation. Seventy-two Thai students were recruited to take the MOOC for 10 weeks. To reach the aims of the study, pre-course and post-course questionnaires, open-ended questions, and a MOOC evaluation questionnaire were employed and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The key findings were that most students showed their understanding on the origin and present roles of English and respectful attitudes towards its diversity. A use of the MOOC fully supported their learning and assisted them in acquiring the content knowledge in the MOOC. This study highlights effectiveness of the MOOC utilized as part of classroom practices and its effects on raising awareness of the notion of GE, suggesting the viability of adapting the Global Englishes language teaching (GELT) framework in a local context.