An Analysis of ESL Conferences Sponsored by Webster University, Thailand: “Discovering How to Help Local Thai Teachers of English Meet the ASEAN Challenge"

Authors

  • Charles John Emond

Abstract

Arising out of a conference for local Thai teachers of English sponsored by Webster University, Thailand and held on May 4, 2012, this paper attempts to answer the question, “How can Webster University best help local Thai teachers of English?” It is a topic of discussion in many circles that Thailand must improve its level of English in advance of the ASEAN community integration process. This paper presents the results of three participant satisfaction surveys, looks closely at the ways the surveys influenced a second conference held on November 2 and 3, 2012, and analyzes the second conference in terms of how well it met the specific requests of the teachers for assistance in meeting the ASEAN challenge. It presents recommendations for the improvement of future conferences and concludes with a brief look at the broader national picture with the goal of encouraging other universities in Thailand to extend this kind of outreach to their local English teachers.

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