English Education at Primary Level in Thailand

Pornpimon Prasongporn, Ph.D

Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
[email protected]
As English is claimed as an international language or a global language, it is widely used for
being a key to unlock the door of communication and mutual understanding among people in various
countries. English also plays the crucial roles in serving the various status such as being the official
language, as the medium of instruction, as a mandatory subject and as a lingua franca. Recognition
of the power of English as a mean of communication is accepted around the world and it is also fast
becoming as one of the basic skills for the learners at primary level of education in Thailand. The
demand for English in Thailand has been dramatically increasing in the decades for the change of
globalization and the establishing of ASEAN community has become a strong power on the change
of language learning. As a result, the government's intention has been developed greater fluency in
English language among Thai students and makes Thai people better prepared for the economic
competitiveness both individually and as a nation. Learning language is necessary in order to gain
not only the economic competitiveness in the world but it is a tool for communication. Hence, English
facilitates mobility for many reasons - including commerce, tourism, study and the access of
interdisciplinary and this, in turn, contributes towards the prosperity of individuals, the nations and the
global citizen. In Thailand, English is considered to be a subject that plays the vital roles as a gate
keeping device in language education system. It is learned since the students start their school lives
in the early age. English is a compulsory subject from the primary level to the higher education.
Major issues on English Education at primary level in Thailand
English Language Reforming Policy
Thai Government has recognized the vital roles of English that plays in the global society and
allows the Ministry of Education to elevate the English language competency among the students as
well as the teachers. The policies and strategic plans in promoting English Language learning and
teaching have been announced in each government. The Ministry of Education also viewed that the
process on elevating the effectiveness of English language learning and teaching should include in
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all developmental elements involved, that is to say - the clarity of language learning policy, the
interpretation of policy into practices, the development of curriculum, the quality of teachers, the
teaching and learning process, and the plans for materials provided.
In the year 2014, the Ministry of Education announced the latest policy to reform teaching
and learning English in the basic education level. Regards to the policy, there is general agreement
among language teachers, and scholars that the adoption of the CEFR is a vital step towards
clarifying language goals and raising English Language standards among Thai youths in the near
future. The policy becomes the strong commitment and the solid attempt to improve the English
Competency among Thais to better prepare for the ASEAN community. The English Language
forming policy as its details as follow:
1. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which is
considered to be an international standard of languages is stipulated for schools to be used as the
main principles for the enacting of English language teaching and learning, the designing of language
curriculum, the stating of learning goals, the developing of teaching & learning, the testing and
assessment of learning outcomes, as well as the developing of teacher profession. The framework
is used for benchmarking communicative language competence and it is divided into 6 levels from
A1- C2. The Ministry of Education has also set the English language proficiency targets for students
such as by the end of primary level; students should have reached A1 proficiency.
2. Align the process of language learning and teaching with the natural ways of its teaching
and learning by emphasizing on Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), and also shifting the
status of teaching approach from grammar translation to Communicative Language Teaching. It is
also introduced that English learning should start from listening, speaking, reading, and writing
respectively.
3. Promote English teaching and learning through the alignment of the benchmarks stated in
CEFR into the curriculum, teaching and learning materials, and with various means of
implementation due to the students attitude and interest along with the schools readiness.
4. Enhance the English proficiency elevating by setting up the programmes of studies as
follow:
4.1 expanding special programme of language studies by setting up English
Programme (EP) Mini English Programme (MEP), International Programme (IP), English Bilingual
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Education Programme (EBE) and English for Integrated Studies (EIS) in all types of schools public
and private schools and in all levels of basic education.
4.2 Develop special programmes for English learning by setting up the Enrichment
Classes which include the activities that promote English for social interaction, academic literacy and
adding at least 2 - hour - conversation class for a week. Besides, there should be more initiating in
curriculum and courses on English for Careers with their aims at the preparation for students who
has the needs of school leave and work.
4.3 Promote the enhancement of ability in English language by creating the activities
and school milieus that promote English learning such as intensive English language camps for 2-4
weeks (84-170 hours) and international camps for highly potential students during school breaks. The
schools can set up the additional periods of time in language learning, the consecutive periods of
language study for a half day, and/or a day or more. Furthermore, the school milieu should include
the energized environment that help promote communicative practice among learners such as
Literacy Day, English Zone, English Corner, language competition and contests, bulletin boards, the
promoting of reading habits both in and outside classes with wide variety of genres.
4.4 Initiate the English conversation within teaching and learning in English classes
and also promote English Enrichment courses as additional or elective courses for students with
their learning background of interest, and potential.
5. Elevating teachers skills in language teaching in line of the conception on
Communicative Language Teaching and the framework of CEFR is also enacted. The assessment
and evaluation of English both content and skills are tested among teachers of English.
Consequently, the plans on teacher professional development, the supervision and monitoring
system,the process of coaching and mentoring can be initiated based on their abilities.
6. Promote the use of ICT media for education as a tool to develop the language abilities
among teachers and students. The production and selection of E-Content Learning applications,
language practices and tests that are standardized and qualified for English learning will be included.
In addition, the emphasis will be placed on learning language through digital media for the skills of
listening and word or sentence pronouncing.

The Elements of Basic Education Core Curriculum 2008 and its Implementation
Most schools and teachers in the primary level are energetic and pay much more attention to
curriculum development process. Teachers have been involving in the process of school based
curriculum development, so that they can understand and are aware of the roles of curriculum play in
teaching and learning process. The Ministry of Education launched the Basic Core Curriculum 2015
which benefits for lesson planning because the learning standards, indicators and core contents in
each area of subject are prescribed. All of these are the elements that lead the teaching and learning
to be achieved.
Based on the language learning area of Basic Education Core Curriculum 2008, English is a
one of mandatory subjects starting from Grade 1 in primary education to Grade 12 in secondary
education level. Language learning is aimed at enabling learners to acquire a favourable and positive
attitude towards the language, the ability to use English for communicating in various situations,
researching for knowledge, engaging in a livelihood and pursuing further education at higher levels.
The main contents of English include eight standards which include four strands of study namely
Communication, Culture, Connection and Community. The focus of the strands is discussed below:
1. Communication: It mainly focuses on the use of English as it is Mode of communication
Interpretation mode, Interpersonal mode and Presentational mode. Thus, the four communicative
skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are included. It is aimed at the use of language in
exchanging information, expressing feelings and opinions, interpreting, presenting information,
concepts and views on various matters, and creating interpersonal relationships appropriately
2. Culture: It is aimed at using of foreign languages harmonious with culture of native
speakers; relationships, similarities and differences between languages and cultures of native
speakers; languages and cultures of native speakers and Thai culture; and appropriate application
3. Connection or Language and Relationship with Other Learning Areas: use of foreign
languages to link knowledge with other learning areas, forming the basis for further development,
seeking knowledge and broadening learners world views
4. Connection or Language and relationship with Community and the World: This strand
aimed at the use of foreign languages in various situations, both in the classroom and the outside
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community and the global society, forming a basic tool for further education, livelihood and exchange
of learning with the global society.

Time allocation for English learning at primary level

The Basic Education Core Curriculum prescribes the framework for English learning time of
40 hours per one academic year in the foundation subjects. It means that the students in primary
level of education will learn English at least 1 hour per week in grade 1 to grade 3, and 2 hours per
week at grade 3 to grade 6. Moreover, it is allowed that the schools can create additional English
courses as their needs.
Learning Time (in hours)
Learning Areas /
Lower Secondary
Primary
Education
Level
Activities
Education Level
G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9
Foreign
40 40 40 80 80 80 120 120 120
Languages
(3
(3
(3
crs) crs) crs)

Upper Secondary
Education Level
G 10-12
240
(6 crs)

Additional
courses/ activities
provided by
schools, depending
on their readiness
and priorities

Not more than

Not more than 40 hours for each
Not less than 1,600
2 00 hours for
year
hours
each year

Total Learning
Time

Not more than 1,000 hours

for each year

Not more than Not less than

1 ,2 0 0 hours for 3,600 hours for a
each year
total of 3 years
(Ministry of Education. 2008 : 25)

Current situation of English Teaching and Learning at primary level in Thailand

Learners
As students achievement is a key component to indicate the success of education system, it
is revealed that there has been the tendency on students performance in the language study. There
has been an evidence that students achievement is dramatically improved but still lower than the
criteria accepted. It is also found that the students still cannot communicate through English and use
English as a tool for knowledge researching. Most students lack confidence in English using because
they are afraid of mistakes and they have shy feeling.
Teachers
Teachers are one of the key factors that can bring success in education because they are
the ones who transmit body of knowledge to their students. Teachers under the supervision of Basic
Education Commission, whoever teach English have to take the test based on CEFR for their
English ability. Then, they are placed into 6 levels as stated in CEFR : A1 to C 2 or beginner users,
intermediate users and advanced users. Being an English teacher, ones need to be skillful of both
knowledge of English content and the arts or crafts of teaching. It is the needs and requirements of
teacher profession stipulated by The Teacher Council. Consequently, TKT or Teaching Knowledge
Test was used to test teachers knowledge in language teaching.
At present, the problems that are in consideration is that of the qualified teachers with
English competency. More than 50 percent of Primary school teachers of English who are assigned
to teach in all subjects including English, are non-majored of English but they earned their degrees in
elementary education which English Teaching also included in the programme. They seem to lack
confidence in delivering the English lesson and as a result, they dont succeed in their career of
being an English teacher. The government has put their effort on improving the English competency
among those by supporting them with the in-service training programme on English content and
pedagogy.
Teaching and Learning Process
Teachers of English are trying hard in initiating the innovative ideas and in diversified of
teaching process. They include thinking skills in their teaching and learning process. Besides, they
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focus more on the chances for students to use language in the real context and situation by setting
up the English learning activities such as the remedial teaching, English Camps, the enhancement of
reading activities through English corners in schools. Nevertheless, those activities are not still
implemented in all areas because of the limitation of teachers capability and school milieu. Some
teachers of English still use textbooks as a mean of their instructions and there are not a wide
variety of language teaching methodologies. Less opportunities in language use in English classes is
also found. As a result, the students find English is less important for them and will then it can form
the negative attitude to language learning. Teachers preferred to teach reading and writing skills to
teaching listening and speaking. Since the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has been
introduced, teachers in all schools in Thailand were trained to deliver the English lessons through the
communicative language learning activities that focus on the interaction between the speakers, the
language used in social contexts. The examples of those activities include as games, songs, role
plays, TPR activities, information gaps activities, and so on.
Learning Materials
The use of textbooks and materials are varied among schools. Most of the texts were written
by native writers, so it is assured that the language forms and linguistic features that used in the
texts are correct. Teachers are more independent for the selecting of textbooks and learning
materials, whatever software or electronic devices. What to be considered is that all learning
materials have to align with the Basic Education Core Curriculum. The more the teachers use such
materials, the more the students can access simultaneously into language learning.
What the Basic Education Commission helps promote the English Education at primary Level in
Thailand
The English Language Institute, Basic Education Commission plays the vital roles in
organizing the policy into practice. The projects on promoting English Language Education at
primary level has been initiating as follow:

1. Reforming teaching and learning through Communicative approach

With the aims at raising public awareness and building up the bridge of understanding in
changing of teaching practices, Communicative Teaching Approach is introduced for English teaching
and learning. The more of activities have been promoting in many forms such as demonstrating and
disseminating of best practice, the English Exhibition and the knowledge exchange at all levels of
education and at all kinds of stakeholders government sectors, private sectors, communities, and
parents. These can be formed as the collaboration amongst those who involve in language education
management. The budget on teacher trainings has been distributed to all Primary Educational
Service Area Offices for the organizing of in-service teacher trainings during the school breaks. The
contents of the trainings are those of the conception of CLT and its implementation in language
classrooms, the framework of CEFR and its implications.
2. The development of the potential amongst teachers of English
As teacher is a key element to learning success, it is a must for elevating the teacher
potential in content knowledge that is the English competency. The Basic Education Commission
launched the programme on teacher development by initiating in-service teacher trainings based on
their levels of English abilities. The levels of teachers English competency is developed in all levels
Basic Users, independent Users and advanced Users, and the ones who are in highly potential
will be trained in the specified areas of study and skills. The latest project is launched and enacted in
the fiscal year 2016 is that the Ministry of Education with the cooperation of British Council organize
the in-service training by selecting 500 teachers of English who are placed as the advanced level in
English competency to train on language teaching methodologies and take the train the trainers
course later on.
3. Establishing equity in access to English teaching and learning
In order that the students in all education service areas have their chances to access into
effectively English learning, the schools in all levels and all kinds have to be improved. The Model
English Teaching Schools are created in all education service areas, the English and Mini English
Programme schools are expanded at least one school per one area. The numbers of the English
programme schools are dramatically increasing all over the country. Teaching materials and standard
English textbooks are also provided to schools in far-reaching areas.
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4. Developing English teaching and learning resources to support communicative

approach
In order to develop teaching and learning resources to support Communicative
Approach, the development of the following elements are involved:
4.1 The development of curriculum guidelines based on Common European
Framework of References for Languages
The workshop and teacher training on how to implement the framework on CEFR are
enacted in all education levels. The Ministry of Education produced the guidelines together with
teacher manuals on how to create language activities based on CEFR for teachers. Besides, they
also plan for the study on the curriculum production that is to say our student achievement and
their performance.
4.2 The strengthening of Networking
The Primary Education English Resource Center (PEER) have been promoting in
primary school level and in all Primary Educational Service Areas. The networking will help equip
teachers of English with knowledge, ability, English skills using and also the management of teaching
and learning. Through such activities, it helps promote the sharing of teaching experiences and
human resources in the education service areas and also the forming of professional leaning
community among teachers of English.
5. Creating an English learning atmosphere both in and outside the classrooms and
increasing opportunities for English learning
The increasing of opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom has
been creating in schools as the following:
1.1 The development of students ability in English skills through the learning
activities both inside and outside the classroom such as English camps, English contest and
language talent activities are initiated.
1.2 The English Language Innovations has been creating through the ICT. Schools
can help students naturally access in English. As the age of globalization, ICT plays much more
roles in the world of communication and education as well as in English Education in Thailand. The
learning materials in terms of ICT are provided among schools that are the English Networking
schools nationwide. DLTV and Teacher TV are the examples of channels for teachers and students
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who have the needs in English learning outside their classes. In addition, they can help solving the
problems of teacher shortage. Some primary schools in rural and remote areas use the lessons
broadcasted from DLTV in their English classes.
Recommendations:
For English has significantly impact on language study and it is crucial that the better
preparation will lead to the accomplishment of language education. Success of English language
learning and teaching requires the dedication and collaboration of all stakeholders the government,
the private sectors, the education institutions, the scholars, the cooperation from organizations of
native speaking countries. More importantly, the teachers and students themselves should realize the
important of mastering English as a means of communication in the global society and should bare in
mind that all learners are not just the empty vessels to be filled with theoretical frameworks and skills
but the recognition of interpreting them into effective practices with the awareness of appreciating
their own cultures and local languages.
Bibliography:
Baker, w. 2008. A critical examination of ELT in Thailand : The role of cultural awareness RELC.
39(1). 131-146.
_______. 2012. English as a lingua franca in Thailand : Characterizations and Implications
Englishes in Practice, 1, 18-27.
Brown, H.D. 2007. Principles of language leaning and teaching. New York: Pearson Education,
Inc.
Ministry of Education, 2008. The Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (A.D. 2008).
Available :academic.obec.go.th/web/doc/d/147[2013,November 1]

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Ministry of Education, 2014. The Guidelines on English language teaching and Learning
Reforming Polocy. Bangkok: Chamjureeproducts Ltd.
Noom-ura,S. 2013. English-teaching problems in Thailand and Thai teachers professional
development needs English Language Teaching, 6 (11), 139-147.
Prasongporn P. 2009. CLIL in Thailand : Challenge and Possibilities. Access English EBE
Symposium in Jakarta

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