Thai EFL Students Research Articles

Translanguaging for English Language Education: Uncovering Thai EFL Students’ Insights

Translanguaging pedagogy has gained attention in recent years in language education; yet, there is limited research on how it is utilized and perceived by university students in Thailand. This study therefore examines the translanguaging practices and perceptions of Thai university students regarding incorporating such practices in classrooms with strict language boundary policy. The mixed method study analyzes questionnaire (N=77), observation and interview (N=10) data from students using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis, respectively. While this study participants are only those observed to practice translanguaging in the classroom, however, the results indicated that only 84% of the students found translanguaging (i.e., using their L1 and other repertoire resources) in the classroom for content learning and meaning-making beneficial, while the others (16%) still prefer a strict English only practice. Moreover, the results showed the students’ overall positive views on incorporating translanguaging in different classroom situations to assist low proficiency students’ learning and enhance classroom interaction and participation since most of Thai teachers frequently use their L1 with students. Some students further highlighted challenges in implementing this strategy in Thailand, despite its practical benefits for English language education in Thailand. The study also highlights the implications of this practice for Thailand and beyond.

Code-Switching in Facebook Chats in English among Thai EFL Students

Code-Switching in Facebook Chats in English among Thai EFL Students

Successful Thai EFL Students and their Language Learning Strategies for Acquiring English If Clause

Successful Thai EFL Students and their Language Learning Strategies for Acquiring English If Clause

Enhancing Science Vocabulary and Content Knowledge of Thai EFL students through Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and English Science Textbooks Word Lists (ESTWL)

The development of subject-specific word lists to assist EFL learners is becoming popular, as is the utilization of CLIL to teach English in academic areas of science. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the instruction of English Science Textbooks Word Lists (ESTWL) and the CLIL approach on the Science Vocabulary Knowledge and Science Content Knowledge of Thai EFL students. A mixed-methods research design was employed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data using ESTWL-CLIL lesson plans, a Science Vocabulary Knowledge test, and a Science Content Knowledge test. All research instruments were validated by both content and language experts. The target groups were 3 levels of secondary school students studying at a large secondary school in Bangkok. The research findings were as follows: 1) the mean scores of the students in the three groups increased by a statistical significance of 0.05 for both vocabulary knowledge and science content knowledge after the implementation of the intervention, and 2) the qualitative results indicated that all students perceived the instruction of ESTWL and the CLIL approach to be positive. The study suggested a vocabulary pedagogy for science and language teachers for use in CLIL environments.

Thai EFL Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes towards Syntactic Structures in English Writing

This study investigates Thai EFL students’ attitudes of difficulty towards syntactic structures in English writing and their evaluation of frequencies in using syntactic structures in their writing. The framework of attitudes in this study follows Baker (1992) and Garrett (2010). The methodology of this study uses convenience sampling method. The participants in this study were 30 sophomores, majoring in English from a private university in Thailand. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning syntactic structures in English writing. The instruments in this study were a questionnaire with a five-scale measurement. After the questionnaire was developed, it was validated by three experts. The three experts are PhD instructors in the field of English language and language assessment and evaluation from a renowned public university of Thailand. The descriptive statistical analysis via frequencies and percentages was used to calculate the data analysis. The results in this study show that the participants feel that dependent clauses are difficult for them to use, especially adverbial clauses, reduced adjective clauses and verbless adverbial clauses. Based upon their evaluation toward frequencies of syntactic structures, the participants frequently use existential there constructions and adjective clauses in their writing in English. It is highly expected that the results of this study will be useful for English language teachers to gain better understanding of Thai EFL university students toward their difficulties with syntactic structures in English writing. So, English teachers could bring the results of this study to provide improvement to their students.

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study of Thai English as a foreign language students’ engagement with emergency online learning in an English medium instruction university

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ language learning engagement through various forms of technology has received great attention among educators across institutions worldwide. This mixed-methods study attempts to investigate Thai EFL students’ engagement in online English courses, created by an English medium instruction (EMI) University, during the pandemic. A closed-ended questionnaire surveyed 248 Thai EFL students’ engagement with their English course and of this cohort, 56 participants were selected randomly to participate in a semi-structured interview. The statistical results revealed that the average level of students’ engagement with online English courses was generally above average. Significant and positive correlations existed between the four key dimensions of skill, psychological, participation, and performance engagement. In the qualitative inquiry, results suggested a range of issues contributing to positive and negative experiences. These were mainly focused on content, presentation styles, and student involvement. Findings contribute to understanding key success variables in English learning via an online environment.

Thai EFL Students’ Engagement in Field Teaching Practice in Indonesia Classroom Context

The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate the engagement of Thai EFL pre-service teachers during their field teaching practice in Indonesian classroom context at some schools in Kendari, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia. The data in this study is drawn from four Thai students who have completed their teaching practice the previous semester. The four participants were assigned to four schools, respectively. This study used reflective journals and in-depth interviews as the instrument to collect the data. The gathered data was analyzed using thematic analysis (V Braun, V Clarke, 2012). The findings showed that several aspects of the engagement of Thai EFL students while facing in their field teaching practice in Indonesian classroom context. First, they taught with enthusiasm and passion while teaching English in an Indonesian classroom. Second, they have a positive attitude with their students that can shape their learning experience. Third, they treat students with respect to become more effective when they can earn a class's respect. Last, stay motivated is their involvement during their field teaching practice. However, this study implies that they were engaged in field teaching practice in Indonesian classroom context

The Impact of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Language Learning Strategies, Proficiency, and Enjoyment among Thai EFL Students

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals worldwide found themselves compelled to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. An integral part of this adjustment was the transformation of conventional instructional methods, shifting from traditional classroom-based learning to the realm of online education. In this new educational landscape, online learning has emerged as the only avenue for both educators and learners to sustain their academic journeys. The objective of this study was to examine potential changes in the application of language learning strategies (LLSs) in the context of online English learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed to explore whether these variations were influenced by individuals’ levels of language proficiency and their level of enjoyment of learning English. If any variations were identified, the study aimed to analyze the specific patterns that emerged. The study included 205 students who were enrolled in a public university in northeastern Thailand. Data collection involved administering both the LLS questionnaire and the enjoyment of the English learning questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests. The study revealed significant variations in the frequency of overall strategy utilization based on two variables: language proficiency and individual enjoyment with the process of learning English. While there were no significant variations in overall strategy usage based on language proficiency, notable differences were observed based on their level of enjoyment of learning English. In terms of distinct categories, significant differences were observed in the utilization of LLS within the metacognitive (MET) and affective (AFF) categories, especially concerning language proficiency. Moreover, substantial variances were evident across all six categories—memory (MEM), cognitive (COG), compensation (COM), MET, AFF, and social (SOC)—in the level of satisfaction derived from the process of learning English.

An Investigation of Thai University EFL Students’ Ability to Notice English Idiomatic Expressions

The main aims of this research were to investigate Thai EFL students’ level of ability to notice English idiomatic expressions and variations in their ability to notice the idioms in terms of idiom types, academic disciplines, and perceptions towards their idiom noticing ability. The participants were 162 English as a foreign language students (99 females, 63 males) selected through a purposive sampling method from a university in Northeastern Thailand. The data was collected through an Idiom Noticing and Identifying Test. The results revealed that the students had a low level of ability to notice English idiomatic expressions. The type of idioms the students had reported as the most noticed were transparent idioms, and the opaque idioms as the least noticed. The students were not different in their ability to notice idiomatic expressions regarding their academic disciplines, and they were not sure about the idiomaticity of the idioms they claimed to have noticed.

Instructional Toolkit for Outcome-Based Instruction on English Grammar of Thai EFL Students in the Thonburi District in Bangkok

The purposes of this research were to a) find out how well the new instructional toolkit works at improving students’ English grammar skills in verb tense structures, b) investigate the effects of Thai EFL students’ learning achievement in utilizing an instructional toolkit on the acquisition of English grammar, c) investigate Thai EFL undergraduate students’ knowledge retention after teaching using an instructional toolkit, d) study relationships among study levels, English proficiency levels, and learning achievement of Thai EFL students on the acquisition of English grammar before and after utilizing an instructional toolkit, and e) explore the Thai EFL students’ perceptions regarding the instructional toolkit in terms of design, retention development, and implementation. The sample was categorized into two groups: 100 primary students and 100 secondary students. All students were studying in public school in the Thonburi district in Bangkok, Thailand, using multilevel group research design. The instruments were a) an instructional toolkit, b) achievement tests, c) a questionnaire, and d) interviews. The data were collected before, during, and after conducting research. The data were analysed quantitatively, using SPSS to find out the frequency, mean (M), and standard deviation (SD) of the participants’ perceptions regarding use of the instructional toolkit, and qualitatively using content analysis. The research revealed that a vast majority (95%) of students and teachers acknowledged the toolkit’s efficiency and efficacy, with significant improvements noted post-intervention. Additionally, the toolkit effectively enhanced knowledge retention in verb tense structures across different educational levels, showing particular resonance with higher-grade students and those at intermediate proficiency. However, despite appreciation for its user-friendly design and retention-enhancing features, there was a clear recommendation for the inclusion of more diverse real-world examples in future iterations.

English Vocabulary with a Picture Application for Enhancing Thai EFL Students’ Daily English Vocabulary Memorization

With the emergence of new technology, computers have been used for language learning. This experimental study aimed to develop English Vocabulary with a Picture Application (EVP) for improving students’ daily English vocabulary memorization and examine the effectiveness of EVP used between an experimental group and a control group. EVP was designed on picture mnemonic technique based on a cognitive theory of multimedia learning. The participants were 48 undergraduate students who were randomly assigned to the experimental and the control group. Prior to the intervention, the participants of both groups were given a pre-test to determine their daily English vocabulary knowledge. Then, the experimental group received EVP, and the control group went through a traditional method. After the treatment, the post-test was administrated to both groups. The results manifested that the experimental group who received EVP noticeably outperformed their counterpart in the post-test. The participants also provided positive opinions regarding the use of EVP. In consequence, the findings implied that EVP could be an optional learning tool to enhance students’ daily English vocabulary. Further study could investigate the achievement of EVP in teaching vocabulary for different purposes in various contexts.

Learning Mathematics in English Through the Use of the Think-Talk-Write Strategy

This study examines the effects of the Think-Talk-Write (TTW) strategy on Thai EFL students’ learning mathematics in English. The TTW learning strategy contributed by Pratiwi and Muiz (2016) was used in this study. The participants were 25 Thai EFL students enrolled in a Mini-English Program in which English is used as a medium language in all subjects. During the teaching and learning activities, the researcher conducted three phases of mathematics problem-solving activities, including the Think, Talk, and Write phrases. In this study, a Filipino teacher as the researcher taught a mathematics subject in English since the researcher and the participants used different first languages. Five research instruments were deployed to collect data: a pretest/ posttest, survey questionnaire, observation checklist, and semi-structured interview. The findings of this study revealed that the TTW strategy could enhance Thai EFL students’ learning of mathematics in English. In addition, the results showed that the EFL students used English (L2) and Thai (L1) to solve their mathematical problems with their peers. The findings from the semi-structured interview also revealed that the EFL students viewed the think, talk and write as a useful strategy to share ideas with their peers. Therefore, using the TTW strategy is an easy and challenging way to solve mathematical problems in English.

Getting to the (Power) Point: Unleashing the Impact of Assertion-Evidence Design in PowerPoint for Enhancing Students’ English Grammatical Competence and Retention

Regardless of the brain’s limited storage capacity, teachers must exercise caution and vigilance in the classroom to prevent overwhelming students with excessive information, as this can impede their learning ability. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of traditional PowerPoint slides and Assertion-Evidence designs in improving grammatical learning among Thai EFL students. Additionally, it seeks to determine the degree to which Assertion-Evidence design based on the cognitive load principle, helps students retain their knowledge of English grammar and explore the perception of students who were given English grammar lessons using Assertion-Evidence design presentations. In this study, 59 students were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group exposed to PowerPoint presentations using the Assertion-Evidence design concept. English tenses pretest, immediate and delayed posttests, a focus group discussion were used as instruments. The results demonstrated that students who received instruction using PowerPoint presentations that followed the Assertion-Evidence design performed significantly better on the posttest for English grammar than those in the control group. Regarding retention, the results revealed that the mean score on the delayed posttest for the participants in English grammar was statistically higher than their immediate posttest score, with a p-value of 0.043 from the dependent sample t- test (p < 0.05). In terms of students’ perceptions, it was discovered that the initial design of Assertion-Evidence format influenced their positive and negative attitude in learning grammar concepts using the Assertion-Evidence format presentation.

Effectiveness of Grammar Learning through Data-Driven Learning (DDL) with Undergraduate Students

This study investigates the extent to which paper-based data-driven learning (DDL) activities can improve Thai EFL students’ grammar learning of conditional sentences (the second condition), as well as the participants’ attitudes toward learning through the DDL approach. This was a two-week research using a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The convenience-sampled participants were 15 Thai EFL undergraduate students majoring in English at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This study included three research instruments: a pre/post-test, an attitudes questionnaire, and interviews. The instructional approach, which consisted of the paper-based DDL material, was devised using The Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) consisting of 40 concordances. Using non-parametric statistics Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, there is a statistically significant difference in mean scores in the findings (p<.001), indicating that their grammatical knowledge was developed after participating in DDL activities. Furthermore, the participants had positive attitudes towards DDL learning since they considered DDL as a fruitful and beneficial tool in helping them acquire grammatical knowledge and language patterns by themselves. Therefore, the outcomes of the research have a noteworthy impact on the field of teaching English, showcasing the potential of utilizing corpus data to analyze genuine language patterns and enhance learners’ understanding of language structure.

The Feasibility of an Innovative Gamified Flipped Classroom Application for University Students in EFL Context: An Account of Autonomous Learning

Aligned with the progress of technology and the availability of online resources, there is a growing inclination to incorporate game elements or gamification into educational settings, particularly in English language classrooms. This mixed methods research endeavors to examine the potential of the Gamified Flipped Classroom Application (GFCA) named “Classcraft” to enhance student’s learning ability, motivation, and autonomy. Questionnaires were employed to explore students’ attitudes towards the utilization of GFCA as an innovative learning tool within the research context. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into students' perspectives regarding the use of Classcraft in augmenting their learning motivation and autonomy. The study was carried out with a cohort of 31 Thai EFL students enrolled in English for import and export courses at a public university in northeastern Thailand. The findings revealed that the student’s learning ability exhibited improvement, as evidenced by a higher mean score in the posttest compared to the pretest, subsequent to the implementation of the gamified flipped classroom application in the course. Additionally, a majority of the students expressed a favorable inclination towards the application due to its effectiveness in enhancing their learning motivation, and autonomy and providing an enjoyable and engaging learning experience.

Vocabulary Learning Through Audio-Visual Input of Thai Primary School EFL Students

This research aims to improve the vocabulary knowledge of Thai EFL students by using audio-visual aids as instructional tools. Hopefully, this study serves as an initial foundation to develop students’ vocabulary knowledge and benefit the pedagogical development in Thailand. Consequently, this research aimed to explore the effectiveness of audio-visual instruction in acquiring vocabulary knowledge, with a specific focus on the form-meaning links in Thai EFL primary school students. Additionally, this study investigated the students’ perceptions of audio-visual input in enhancing vocabulary knowledge. The study included one experimental group consisting of 51 sixth-grade students. Two tests were used to measure the reception and production of form-meaning links (L2-to-L1 Translation Test and L1-to-L2 Translation Test). A questionnaire was used to examine the students’ perceptions of the form-meaning links of vocabulary knowledge through audio-visual input.
 
 The results showed that the participants achieved higher scores on the reception and production tests of form-meaning links in the post-test than in the pre-test, revealing statistically significant differences. Furthermore, the students performed better on the reception test of the form-meaning link than on the production test in both time points, and the reception test was also higher in advancement than the production test. Finally, the reports demonstrated that the instructional intervention of form-meaning links of vocabulary knowledge (audio-visual input) positively benefits the development of students’ vocabulary. The findings suggest that students’ reception of vocabulary knowledge through audio-visual input is more advanced than their production of vocabulary knowledge. Moreover, the input of students’ vocabulary knowledge contributes to acquiring and developing their knowledge.

Using Lexical Cohesion Cloze Exercises to Improve EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension

The present research examined the effects of lexical cohesion cloze reading exercises (in which deletions involved various types of lexical cohesive devices) on improving EFL students’ reading comprehension. Sixty-four Thai university students were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Both groups received 12 sessions of skill-based instruction, but the experimental group had additional practice in recognizing lexical relations through cloze passages. The mean pretest and posttest scores were compared using paired samples t-test. Post-treatment questionnaires were used to investigate students’ attitudes towards the assigned extra reading exercises. Students in the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean posttest scores than the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant difference in attitude mean scores between the control group and the experimental group (p > 0.05). The experimental group, however, were more positive towards the use of the extra reading exercises and found the technique to be useful in fostering their English reading comprehension. These findings indicated that lexical cohesion cloze reading is effective in improving the reading performance of Thai EFL students and should be used to equip EFL students with the knowledge they need for better reading comprehension.

The Investigation of Self-Regulated Learning among Low Proficiency EFL Students

This study aimed at investigating (1) the characteristics of self-regulated learning (SRL) among low proficiency EFL students and (2) the variation for SRL among students with different English proficiency. Participants were 85 Thai university students who were categorized as low proficiency EFL students based on their Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score. These students were divided into two groups: G1 and G2. The results revealed that students in the G1 group had a significantly lower TOEIC score than the students in the G2 group. For the investigation of SRL, the exploratory factor analyses (EFA) demonstrated ten subscales: Five for motivational and five for learning strategy factors. Multiple regressions that determined the influences of SRL on proficiency revealed that the students who possessed higher task value and intrinsic goal orientation were more proficient. On the contrary, if the students had higher test anxiety, they were less proficient. Students in the G1 and G2 groups differed significantly for extrinsic goal orientation. The students in the G2 group (with higher TOEIC score) had more extrinsic goal orientation than did the G1 group students. For Learning strategy in SRL, a multiple regression for learning strategy factors revealed that there were correlations between elaboration and critical thinking and proficiency of Thai EFL students. This factor was a significant predictor of the variation of proficiency. Significant differences were also found between the G1 and G2 groups in peer learning. The lower proficient group tended to rely more on their peers and seek for help. For pedagogical implications, teachers need to provide motivational environments in order to improve the mental state of low proficiency students. Attention should be paid to students who cannot perform well in class in order to raise their confidence and lessen anxiety in learning English.

Challenges for Methodological Designs and Proposed Alternative Instruction for Teaching English Grammar to Thai Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

Grammar is a foundation of language, as all languages consist of rules and usage. Learning English grammar is challenging for Thai EFL learners because of the contrastive grammatical features between Thai and English. Learning English grammar is even more difficult for Thai deaf and hard-of-hearing students since they have limited tools and cues for acquiring English grammar. This paper discusses possible challenges in teaching English grammar to deaf and hard-of-hearing students and reviews some teaching methodologies that might be effective for deaf and hard-of-hearing Thai EFL students. The authors also introduce the WebQuest instruction as a promising alternative instruction of English grammar for this group of students. 
  

Use, Errors, and Self-Perceptions of Thai EFL Learners with Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are difficult for EFL students to understand because of their complexity in both form and function. By analyzing the performances and opinions among EFL learners, the pedagogical contribution may be beneficial for both EFL students and teachers. The use, errors, and perceptions of Thai EFL students regarding conditional sentences were explored in this study. Instruments of the study included a chapter test, writing assignments, and an online survey. Data were analyzied by means of Google Form and AntConc software. The results of the test revealed that the participants performed best on the zero conditional type, while the first conditionals were used the most in their writing. Findings of the error analysis revealed that some difficulties in the use of tense were widely occurring such as using present progressive instead of present simple tense on the if-clause for zero type. Following that, the participants believed that the second conditionals were the most difficult, while the zero conditionals were the easiest.