CONCLUSION
A low, negative correlation between FLCA and English performance was found, which
supported prior studies suggesting that anxiety has a primarily debilitating effect on
language learning. The extent to which FLCA can be quantified as a predictive factor of
English performance across groups was inconclusive. No significant relationship was
found between FLCA and maths performance, which supports multiple intelligences
theory. No significant difference was found between FLCA levels in the immersion
group as compared to non-immersion groups, suggesting that increased exposure to
foreign teachers did not decrease FLCA, which was found to be a predictive factor of
English performance in the immersion group.
Results from this study carry a range of implications. Reducing student anxiety is a
general objective of any credible educational institution, and, as such, regardless of any
active or null effects, stakeholders should make attempts to reduce stressors and causes
of such anxiety. Legal policy changes relating to inclusion and naturalization of longterm
resident foreigners in Thailand, enhanced public service announcements and
community engagement programs could help Thais feel more comfortable with persons
of other colours, nationalities, and races. As adults change their ideals, and if
immigration policy changes, Thai children will inherently understand that foreigners are
a permanent and natural part of the Thai system, thereby probably reducing anxieties.
The education institution needs to be repaired and updated. In order to support
educational improvements, local government budgets need to be expanded, which
requires a more comprehensive tax system in the longer term. In the short term, this
study, along with discussion among colleagues, suggests that more open and transparent
communication is needed between primary and secondary schools. Teachers need to
meet national curriculum guidelines or campaign to amend them. All teachers need to
understand and implement national policies relating to their profession, including the
Adam R. Tanielian
75
prohibition of corporal punishment, which this researcher found a likely primary cause
of anxiety while at school.
Primary teachers need to send students to secondary levels with required skills to
succeed and feel comfortable doing so. Placement assessments are needed to
appropriately group students by ability level, not necessarily by age level. Teachers also
need the option to fail a student so the 12th grade is not half-full with learners
demonstrating a 4th grade comprehension of the language. A nationwide executive
mandate is likely required to implement use of the fail mark.
Ideally, all parents should work with their children at home to improve their studies.
Teachers and administrators should be open-minded and available, and districts should
offer more tailored services to suit specific needs of individuals. Doing well in school is
a complex combination of internal and external strengths and advantages. It takes hard
work, natural intelligence, plenty of help from others, and a little luck to be number one
in education. Both reducing FLCA and improving performances will take the unified
efforts of multiple persons. Sharing of information and continued research will be
important aspects of developing a more functional system.