Investigation on Teaching Chinese Methods: A Case Study of Thai Teachers Teaching Chinese of OBEC, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate using teaching methods of Thai teachers teaching Chinese in Ubon Ratchathani province,Thailand. The samples of this research were randomized from 15 schools (both public and private schools). The researcher used 1) questionnaire, 2) interview, and 3) observation for research tools and data analysis. The statistic used for data analysis was percentage. The research finding revealed that the sample schools in primary level mostly used 5 similar teaching methods: 1) Audio-Lingual method (93.34%); 2) Total Physical Response method (80%); 3) Grammar Translation method (66.66%); 4) Direct method (60%); and 5) Natural method (53.33%).

In addition, the sample schools in secondary level mostly used 5 similar teaching methods as follows: 1) Audio-Lingual method (86.66% ); 2) Grammar Translation method (66.66%); 3)Task-Based Language Teaching method (66.66%); 4) Discussion method (60%); and 5) Direct method (60%). Besides the reflections of these samples from the interview revealed that they had various problems and limitations of teaching in their schools, such as the lack of human resource (native Chinese teacher), limitation of financial support for doing various learning activities, the lack of standard Chinese textbooks and other teaching materials, and the unclear direction of opening Chinese teaching in their schools.