The Effects of Cross-Cultural Issues on Language Learning in Thai Classrooms

Abstract

English language learning in Thailand has become popular in Thai schools through the years. This mixed qualilative and quantitative study recognizes the incessant influx of foreign English teachers, along with the cultural concerns it brings to Thai classrooms. These problems prompted the researcher to investigate various issues that are both beneficial and disadvantageous to Thai students and foreign teachers. A total of 136 Thai secondary school students in Khon Kaen were surveyed and observed in actual classroom settings, and 50 foreign teachers from 15 countries participated in the survey and 13 of them were selected for interview. The surveys were analyzed quantitatively, while the classroom observation notes and interviews were qualitatively assessed. The findings revealed several themes that included the common problems that foreign teachers experienced in Thai classrooms, the factors that affected the learning interest of Thai students, and the factors that affected the foreign teachers. Ethnicity, discipline and language barrier appeared to be the leading classroom issues among Thai students.