earticle

영어

This small-scale interview-based case study conducted in Thailand has pursued a dual thesis. The primary objective is that of an examination into the perceptions among Thai college students in Thailand towards selected English language learning strategies, their own learning experiences prior to entry to their English-medium college, and finally their beliefs concerning native- and non-native teachers of English. Its findings show a surprisingly diversified set of experiences and influences towards English language learning and their teachers existed among students upon entry to the college. A second focus of the study, that of an enquiry into a suitable methodology for this sample size and cultural setting, reveals that a semi-structured interview format was practical for the various levels of linguistic ability and conceptual awareness among students interviewed in English. Also, of some significance is the adapted methodology employed for ‘reducing’ the large amount of interview data collected. This dual focus to the study has served the purpose of not simply revealing the attitudes towards English language learning of a small group of Thai college entrants, but also informs teacher-researchers in similar settings as to appropriate interview technique and data reduction.