3.3 University students who choose to take English as their language subject must take at least four compulsory English courses. Foundation courses 1 and 2 are integrated language skills and study skills courses; the others may be English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses as required by each major. Goals and standards of Foundation English courses 1 and 2 have already been proposed to use in writing a national curriculum for these courses in the near future.
3.4 Every university student will take a National English Proficiency Test before leaving the university. This is not an exit exam and students can take it at any time and any number of times. The results will show his/her proficiency in each skill. The results will not appear in the transcripts but can be used in employment applications and for further education in Thailand. Ground work for the National University English Proficiency Test has already been planned. Research has already been carried out to examine this test: its balance, systems, skills, modes and content areas. A committee will be set up to study international standardized tests in order to select the proper profile for this test. With the research results and the selective profile, another committee will be assigned to write test specifications and test items.
During these four years, sub-committees will be formed consisting of lecturers from both public and private universities in order to prepare for the above changes.
4. More use of Self-Access Learning Centers and IT.
Self access learning centers (SALC) have been established in many schools and
universities to facilitate learner independence. A plan has already been made for setting up a self-access learning center in 46 project schools all over the country. The objectives of setting up these SALC are:
1. to provide multi-media and learning facilities for the students to do further practice on language skills on their own in addition to what has been taught in the classroom according to individual needs, and interests.
2. to be a source of a variety of general knowledge which the students can integrate in the study of subject matter in the English language especially in listening and reading skills.
3. to be used as a tool for learner training in strategies of learning, how to learn which is hoped will lead to the formation of skills to know how to utilize all these processes for life-long education, so that students can continue the development of their work and quality of life. (Biyaem, 1997)
The self-access learning center is also being incorporated in English teaching and learning at the university. Next year, a national workshop on self-access learning will be conducted for Thai university staff to effectively set up and run their self-access centers.