Procedure
Speaking tests for the immersion group were conducted by one Thai administrator, one
Thai assistant teacher, and one foreign teacher. Both Thais were moderately fluent in
English, and the foreign teacher was likewise moderately fluent in Thai. English was
the language used in the testing procedure. Students were given ample notice and
required to prepare a speech, which they recited from memory during the test. All
students introduced themselves and gave a brief explanation of their family structure,
hobbies, something they enjoy, or personal ambitions. Following completion of the
prepared speech portion, each student was asked questions and evaluated upon their
answers. Questions generally pertained to information contained in their prepared
speech. The Thai assistant and foreign teacher graded students with a pass or fail, as did
the administrator. In the event that there was disagreement between evaluations, the
final decision was left to the administrator’s discretion.
The pre-ONET exam was administered about a month prior to administration of other
instruments. Several students were absent for the ONET exam. All other data was
collected during the week of midterm exams, when instruments were administered to
the groups. English and maths midterm exams were administered as part of regular
evaluation.
The FLCAS was administered to each group prior to midterm exams in various
subjects. Students took approximately twenty minutes to complete responses to the 33
items