2. Changes in English teaching and learning in school 2.1 Curriculum change
In the new curriculum, English will be a compulsory foreign language subject starting from level 1 in primary education (6 years of age). It is one of the eight compulsory strands that students will have to take in the core and elective courses. It is to be divided into four levels. Level 1 (Preparatory Level) and 2 (Beginning Level) are in primary education; level 3 (Expanding Level) is in lower secondary education and level 4 (Expanding Level) is in upper – secondary education.
There are three objectives in either core or elective English courses. These are knowledge, skill, and positive attitude towards English. Knowledge involves how to use English language in communication, learning and understanding the culture of native speakers, knowing the differences between Thai and the English language, being able to use English to gain information in other subjects, being able to use English to do lifelong learning, to find pleasure and to use it in their work. Skill involves communication strategies, thinking skills, critical and creative thinking, self-evaluation, learning skills, knowledge seeking skills, technology skills and how to work with others. A positive attitude includes appreciating the English language and its culture.
There are various concepts incorporated in English language teaching and learning e.g. focus on learners and for communication. Communicative Approach is still used but with more focus on listening and speaking. Integrated, cooperative, holistic learning, content, task-based and problem-based learning are also applied.
Only descriptions of strand, standard (content and performance standard) and benchmark for each level are specified in the national curriculum. Teachers will have to write their own course materials with content related to real-life situations in the community. Credits can be transferred and students can also learn English outside of school (e.g. in language schools in Thailand or overseas).
2.2 Teacher development
Teacher development is a main concept in the education reform. Teachers
will be offered continuous training with some form of training every two years. In English language teaching, there are several projects being set up for this purpose (e.g. INSET). INSET’s objectives are to provide training for teachers in order to develop professionally and keep up with new teaching methodologies. Teachers have to improve their English proficiency. Training methods are in the form of cascade training. Another example of a teacher training project is the project run by Thai TESOL through the Royal Project on Distance Learning. This program is broadcast to schools especially in remote areas and on satellite TV.
3. Changes in English language teaching and learning in universities.
This year the Ministry of University Affairs has issued the reform of English language teaching and learning in Thai higher institutions. This reform has been done through the proposal for change made by the committee to plan for the development of the English curriculum in Thai universities. This proposal was made with the consensus of the heads of the English departments and coordinators of Foundation English courses. Changes are planned to be completed in four years. The following are the changes that will take place:
3.1 There will be only one set of English scores used to consider students entering the university, that is the English language scores from the English
Proficiency Test of the Ministry of University Affairs.
3.2 Universities will use the scores from this test to place students according to
their level of proficiency. Those who are weak will take a remedial course first with no credit. Those who have average proficiency will take the first