The Development of an English Reading Instruction Model for Enhancing Language Proficiency and Self-directed Learning Characteristics of Fine Arts Students at Bangkok University

Abstract

     The purposes of this study were to develop an instructional model for enhancing self-directed learning skills of Bangkok University students and to evaluate the model effectiveness. The model development process consisted of a review of literature, the design of the learning model, experts' validation, piloting the model with another group, and evaluating its effectiveness. The results showed that the self-directed learning model included five learning steps: choosing the topics of interest, planning their study with a project and learning contract, being engaged in learning activities, synthesizing the knowledge acquired, and evaluating learning outcomes. Regarding the effectiveness of instructional model, the study employed 40 students enrolled in FA301 in the first semester of 2010 academic year and found that the English proficiency mean score of the post-test was higher than that of the pre-test. Moreover, the post-test mean score of self-directed learning characteristics was higher than the pre-test score. The students had opinions on this model at an extensive level.