German Language Training to Enhance Foreign Language Skills (German) for Professional Tour Guides in Chiang Mai

Abstract

This paper presents an academic service activity in German language education for learners who require German for professional purposes. It is part of the 'German Language Training Program for the Development of Foreign Language skills (German)' aimed at professional tour guides in Chiang Mai Province. The teaching approach is grounded in 21st-century German language pedagogy, emphasizing learner-centeredness and lifelong learning. The teaching material was developed according to theoretical principles of teaching German as a foreign language and at the same time conveys Thai culture through German words and expressions. To facilitate independent learning, the material was designed as a bilingual Thai-German resource that contains important Thai-explanations of German grammar for basic communication and provides Thai-German vocabulary at the end of each lesson. The training program was empirically evaluated, with learning outcomes measured through formal assessments. All participants met the assessment criteria and achieved a good average score. They demonstrated the ability to read aloud, spell words, use simple expressions for communication, and apply German vocabulary relevant to tour guiding.