Rungrawee Samawathdana. A study of the needs problems and wants of students studying in the bilingual program at Winit Secondary School. Master's Degree(Applied Linguistics). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
A study of the needs problems and wants of students studying in the bilingual program at Winit Secondary School
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs, problems, and wants in
using English in the specialized studies for the bilingual students studying at Winit
Secondary School, Thailand. A needs analysis was conducted according to Tyler
(1949) and Hutchinson and Waters (1987), and the mixed methods of quantitative and
qualitative research were employed. The population included five groups (total 1,336),
and only 400 responded to questionnaires: 241 students, 71 parents, 20 teachers, six
administrators, and 62 alumni, selected by cluster sampling. Twenty three were
selected by purposive sampling to be interviewed by means of both semi-structured
(15) and focus group interviews (8). All of the participants were involved in the
program. Three research tools were used to collect data: semi-structured interviews,
questionnaires, and focus group interview. The results of the semi-structured
interviews were used as a guideline to design questionnaires and future needs.
Questionnaires and a focus group interview were used to investigate needs, problems,
and wants. They were field tested for validity and reliability. The Cronbach alpha
reliability coefficient of the questionnaires was 0.89. Data were analyzed by using
descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). The results indicated learners
needed to improve their four communicative skills in order to gain the most from the
program. Learners had problems with speaking during discussions and presentations.
They also had difficulties with writing: producing compound and complex sentences.
Learners wanted to be able to use English mainly for academic purposes; especially
for future study at university. Finally, the language needs for their future seemed to be
expressing their opinions, listening to presentations and lectures, conversing with
foreigners, as well as giving explanations and instructions in two languages. The
results of this study can provide information which can be used to develop curricula
and teaching methodologies.