Revisiting English Learning in Thai Schools: Why Learners Matter

Abstract

Given the increased prominence of English as a language for international
communication, a question arises whether to what extent Thai school students are
equipped with adequate English proficiency to be viable and intelligible in their
actual use of English. In this paper, instead of simply calling attention to new
English teaching methods and possibly unique types of teachers, the writer argues
that what may be in need concerns the ways learners of English are perceived and
the way English learning is understood. It is therefore suggested that learners who
are at the core of learning be heard comprehensively. Based on learners’ needs
and interests, opportunities and insights to help Thai school English as a Foreign
Language (EFL) learners to better develop their English skills can be had.