DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENGLISH HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT DRIVERS IN KHANOM DISTRICT NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

                The purposes of this mixed methods research article were to explore public transport drivers’ needs for an English handbook, to develop an English handbook for public transport drivers and to investigate the satisfaction of 53 public transport drivers in Khanom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province towards using the English handbook by purposive sampling. The research instruments consisted of an English needs survey, an English handbook evaluation form, English handbook, a satisfaction survey and In-depth Interview form. Statistical data analysis comprised means and standard deviation. The results indicated high levels of the public transport drivers’ needs of using English because some public transport drivers could not communicate in English with foreigners, or some could communicate in English but they used English incorrectly. According to experts’ evaluation of the handbook, the finding of development the English handbook regarding contents on greetings, thanking and saying goodbye, asking for destination, telling the fare and giving directions were at the highest levels ( = 5.00, 5.00, 4.67, 4.67 and 4.33 respectively). The public transport drivers’ overall satisfaction with the handbook was at the highest level ( = 4.37). Considering individual aspects, it was found that the public transport drivers had the highest level of satisfaction toward utilizing the handbook, its contents and format ( = 4.48, 4.40 and 4.23 respectively). It was suggested that an online English manual for public transport drivers be created for more convenient and easier information access.