Let them recount their stories: Exploring the lived experiences of learning English in the Thai EFL context

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated factors influencing English as a foreign language (EFL) learning in a Thai university. Participants (n = 23), constituting an intact group, were Thai university students enrolled in a remedial course of English reading skills development at a local university. Based on the data collected from their retrospective accounts and focused group interviews, four salient themes emerged that informed current teaching beliefs and methods. They were 1) attitudes toward English; 2) teaching performances; 3) English a difficult language; and 4) motivation. While these findings may not necessarily be “new” knowledge, they nevertheless underscore the importance of both internal and external factors that come into play in the Thai EFL context.

Key words: Thai EFL; attitude; teaching performances; difficult language; motivation