Enhancing Thai Language Learning for International Students in Higher Education: A Multicultural Educational Approach

บทคัดย่อ

This academic article explores effective strategies for teaching Thai as a foreign language in a culturally diverse environment. The findings are based on ten years of practical experience and observational analysis. The information has been academically analyzed and interpreted to support coexistence among students from various cultural backgrounds, including Myanmar, Korea, China, and Japan, who are increasingly interested in learning Thai.

This research article presents four key strategies: (1) Attitude Adjustment for Peaceful Coexistence of Students from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds, which focuses on creating an inclusive classroom environment that promotes freedom and fairness; (2) Language Selection in Teaching, emphasizing effective language use to support learning; (3) Promoting Cultural Exchange Through Peer Learning, encouraging collaboration among students to enhance language skills and cultural understanding; and (4) Active Learning, incorporating hands-on activities to engage students in diverse learning experiences which aim to foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment where students feel connected to the curriculum and collaborate creatively to achieve their academic goals. The study highlights the instructor's role in guiding students to recognize and appreciate both their own and others' cultural identities. By implementing these approaches, teachers can facilitate peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among students.

Key techniques include incorporating discussions on cultural diversity into the curriculum and inviting guest speakers who can communicate in students' native languages to enhance comfort and motivation. Class materials are recommended to be in English to ensure mutual understanding, and experiential learning outside the classroom is emphasized to help students engage with the Thai way of life. These methods align with the principle that understanding other languages and cultures deepens our understanding of our own.