Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study the learners' needs of pursuing Master of Education program in the field of teaching Thai as a foreign language. The research instrument was the questionnaire measuring the learnersneeds to pursue a Master of Education program in the field of teaching Thai as a foreign language. Data analysis was executed by using frequency distribution and finding the percentages. The results indicated that 1) the number of female respondents was 345, representing 88.46%, while that of male respondent was 45 people or 11.54%; 140 respondents were under 30 years old, representing 35.90%, and most of the respondents were teachers from the government agencies, 82 people or 21.03%. 2) Most of the respondents planned to further their study within three years (173 people or 44.36%) and 217 people or 55.64% expected to graduate more than three years. 3) 224 respondents or 57.44 % anticipated to choose a thesis plan and coursework, whereas 111 respondents or 28.46% opted to choose a thematic plan plus coursework, and 55 people or 14.10% preferred the thesis plan only. 4) The majority of respondents (255 respondents or 65.38%) intended to study at the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) ; 57 people or 14.62% preferred after office hours (17.00 pm. onwards); 23 people or 5.90% during summer
semester (March-April), and 55 people or 14.10% during regular semesters. 5) Regarding
teaching/learning approach, 315 respondents or 80.77% favored a lecture-based approach, whereas 305 people or 78.27% would rather go online particularly by using social media including learning with native speakers. 6) 325 people or 83.33% were interested in teaching and learning Thai as a foreigner language, while 321 people or 82.31% were interested in the development of Thai language teaching materials, and 295 people or 75.64% were interested in the development of Thai language course as a foreigner language. These courses received the top three rankings of all. 7) With respect to learning goals, 155 people or 39.74% applied their knowledge for career development, whereas 110 people or 28.21% enhanced their knowledge and 125 people or 32.05% earned a higher degree.