Abstract:
This purpose of this qualitative research was to describe the experience of the teachers who attended the intergrated English project in preprimary and primary level at selected primary schools in the eastern region. The participants were 19 teachers employed in the 5 schools which adopted the intergrated English Project (EISP). Data was collected from the in-depth interviews, observations and document reviewed. The results were presented into three sections; 1) experienc toward the training program 2) experience of using English in their teaching and 3) experience toward the outcome of the program. First, teachers expressed their frustration of the training process that at the first period used foreign teacher but teachers felt better when used classroom English technique. Teachers stated that foreigner teacher's bad attitude resulted in impolite manner toward the trainess. The training period which was the weekend did not fit their needs. The training curriculum did not fit with Thai curriculum. The teaching materials from another country did not correspond with Thai context and there was no plan for supportive and evaluation system from the trainers. Second, teachers experience of using English in their teaching. The teachers in the pre-primary level expressed that they could use more English in their teaching but they still need to learn more English vocabulary. The teachers at the first level stated that they spent too long time in making student understand the lessons, and the teachers at the fourth level expressed that the English program was more difficult than the usual program and might result in the frustrated students. Teachers were anxious and frustrated when teaching in English especial in Mathematic and Science classes. Third, success and barrier were the outcome of the program. The success was the positive perception which was the happiness and the feeling of self development. Six important barriers were 1) the training project was unclear 2) high expectation from the administrators 3) the unfamiliar with English language 4) insufficiency of teaching materials 5) the anxious about students' outcome and 6) lack of support from the consulting team. Teachers expressed their need for supporting in term of teaching material, teacher' guideline, and closed supervision To make the program succeed, several recommendations were proposed. Policies, planning, teachers preparing, implementing, following and evaluating should be clear and concreted. The curriculums and training process should relate to teachers' needs. Understanding in Thai culture and Thai educational system should be considered for recruiting the foreign teachers Happiness of the attendees can be created by providing good working environment, maintaning good relationship between teachers, supervisor, and administrator.