The Use of English for Tourism Learning Programs to Empower People in Four Local Communities in Thailand: An Analysis of the Case Studies Based on Alan Rogers’s Concept

Abstract

 This academic article aims to analyze an English for Tourism
learning program used to empower the four local communities in Thailand following Alan Rogers Routes to Change concept. The data were analyzed through the English for Tourism learning program case studies available in the ThaiLIS database (Thailand Library Integrated System). As a result, the English for Tourism learning program targeted the four local communities in Thailand are prominently linked to the Routes to Change concept towards the development model called “the Early Decision-Making in the Development Route.” Additionally, this path aims to encourage the target groups and the local communities to decide their preferences before the training is provided, so the target groups can be qualified, and the local communities can be significantly empowered. Alan Rogers’s Routes to Change concept consists of six stages including 1) existing state, 2) awareness of the need to change, 3) decision-making, 4) education and training of adults (ETA), 5) action, and 6) desired change. It was found that the first and the second case studies applied Alan Rogers’s Routes to Change concept through the 3rd stage, while the third and the fourth case studies followed the concept through the 6th stage for the desired change. Therefore, the authors proposed the possible guideline for community leaders, policy makers, and learning program developers similar to the case studies’ social development stages of community development resulting in the desired changes. Moreover, stakeholders should utilize Alan Rogers’s Routes to Change concept as a platform to
develop the English for Tourism learning program for training stakeholders, promoting opportunities, and encouraging collaboration throughout the
development process.