The Development of Thai Language Instructional Activities in Basic Education

Abstract

Objectives of this research are to 1) develop Thai language instructional activities in basic education, and 2) assess Thai language instructional activities in basic education. The research sample was 30 Thai language instructors who were rewarded “The Excellent Thai Language Teacher” by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand, Ministry of Education. Research tools comprised of teaching observation guideline and interview guideline regarding opinions in organizing Thai language instructional activities in basic education. Research findings pointed out that lesson plans were implemented to encourage learner’s participation and responsibilities in learning activities. However, to improve efficiency in learning activities, it was essential to learning skills on listening the advice and practicing with a clear understanding in order to enable learners understand main ideas and communicate easily. Additionally, it was necessary to encourage learners to use appropriate language, reading skill to summarize the main idea, and writing skill for written explanations and written rational opinions. When implemented the lesson plans in classroom, it was found that (1) introduction stage; students were getting worried, rarely to answer the question, and not enthusiastic. Teachers solved these problems by using different methods in each education level. In the primary school level, teachers started activities with games or music to convince students participating in learning activities. While the secondary school level teachers started introduction by raising questions, watching videos, or using teaching software packages. However, it was nothing that some students lacked interactions with teachers and presentation medias which caused boring among students in learning. (2) The body stage; students preferred working in groups or in pairs rather than individual, and students liked to practice more than listening to the lecture. (3) The conclusion stage; teachers raised questions for students in order to discuss, debate, make suggestions for knowledge reflection, and presentations also. These methods resulted in students were able to answer questions, discuss, and present activities very well.