The Challenge Facing Thai Graduates and Their Potential for English-Required Workforce

Abstract

     The purposes of this study were (a) to examine whether the subjects' English proficiency, measured by TOEIC scores, is qualified for most working positions in the Thai workforce, to which English is required, and (b) to investigate how the subjects' English language learning motivation and motivational variables are related to the attainment of their English proficiency. The subjects were 80 fourth-year Management Sciences students at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus. The instruments used for data collection were the subjects' TOEIC scores and a questionnaire on subjects' motivation and motivational variables in English language learning. The findings revealed that, first, the average English proficiency of the subjects was classified as an "intermediate" proficiency level (462 out of the 990 TOEIC score) with some limited career prospects for Thai workforce, to which English is required. Second, the positive and significant relationships were found among the subjects' attitudes, intrinsic motivation, and their English proficiency at p < .05. It was therefore suggested that any possible English teaching techniques and learning activities should be utilised to create and develop learners' positive attitudes and intrinsic motivation for their success in English language learning and subsequently their higher level of English language proficiency.