THE INTEGRATION ON TRADITIONAL AND COMMUNICATIVE METHODS IN THAI LANGUAGE TEACHING AT GUIZHOU MINZU UNIVERSITY, CHINA

Abstract

This study aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in Thai language teaching at Guizhou Minzu University, China by integrating traditional and communicative methods. The specific purposes included 1) to explore the current state of Thai language instruction at the university, focusing on teaching methods and challenges, and 2) to propose effective strategies that enhance students’ communicative proficiency while respecting traditional educational practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating surveys and interviews with 200 non-Thai students, ten non-Thai teachers, 80 Thai students, and 5 Thai teachers at Guizhou Minzu University with purposive sampling. The data analysis revealed significant challenges arising from the predominance of traditional teaching methods, which emphasise knowledge transmission over the development of communicative competence. Despite efforts to introduce Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), practical constraints such as limited Thai proficiency among non-native instructors, traditional educational norms, examination requirements, class sizes, and student interest hinder effective implementation. The findings highlight the feasibility and benefits of integrating traditional and communicative methods in Thai language education. This hybrid approach not only upholds academic rigor but also enhances students’ communicative skills, addressing. The study concludes with practical recommendations for implementing these strategies at Guizhou Minzu University, aiming to inspire educational advancements and meet evolving societal needs.