Timet in Action

TIMET in Action:
Using Collectivist Approach within the Thai English Speaking Class
By Piraya Mitrsomwang

A research proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Quality Examination (QE) for the degree of Doctoral Degree in English Studies
Faculty of liberal Arts, Thammasat University, 2013

Abstract In the realm of English Language Teaching (ELT,) speaking is deemed to play a critical part of language learning and teaching process. Nonetheless, despite the various changes of effective teaching pedagogies, such as the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, it is extremely difficult for Thai learners to master the English language in terms of speaking. To solve this problem, this study explores the issue of teaching English speaking skills by using TIMET, a cooperative and collectivist methodology invented by Professor Saneh Thongrin (2009,) within Thai speaking classrooms. From the preceding research conducted by Thongrin (2009,) this method have been proven effective in English writing classes but have not been implemented in teaching other productive skills. Therefore, a quasi-experimental research will be conducted in believing that cultures and contexts are great factors that can influence students, especially those who speak English as a Foreign Language (EFL.) By integrating learners’ cultural- friendly approach into the teaching methods, Thai language learners should be able to improve the English public speaking skill, which is one their most problematic forte.

Introduction
Research Problems and Purposes It is no secret that Thais’ competence in English leaves rather a lot to be desired. This grave concern was highlighted during the year 1997 and 1998 when the National Survey conducted by the Office of Educational Testing of Curriculum and Instruction, the Ministry of Education revealed that Thai learners had unsatisfactory proficiency in English standardized assessments (Wiriyachitra,2001.) This finding

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