Opinions of Learners and Instructors on Japanese Language Curriculum and Instruction: A Case Study of Center for Asian Languages and Cultures, Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat University

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) explore the opinions of learners and instructors on the Japanese language curriculum and instruction of the Center for Asian Languages and Cultures, Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat University and 2) present guidelines for the development on Japanese language curriculum and instruction, in congruent with the needs of the learners and current circumstances. The research tools were questionnaires distributed to 146 samples who enrolled in Japanese courses in the first semester 1/2020, and interview questionnaires for the executives and Japanese language instructors. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. And content analysis was conducted from open-ended questionnaires and from the structured interview.

The results of the research showed that the majority of respondents had an opinion on the Japanese language curriculum and instruction at the highly agreed level. The item with the highest average score in the aspect of the curriculum was the one that described that the course content met the needs of the learners and the subject matter was useful and practical for daily living or work. The item that received the highest average score in teaching and learning was that learners were thoroughly given an opportunity to ask questions and express themselves in the classroom. The teaching methods were consistent with the objectives, contents, and evaluation. As for the results of the interviews, it was found that most of the instructors had opinions on the development of Japanese language curriculum and instruction in all dimensions, with the emphasis on the learners. They had opinions that the curriculum content, and teaching and learning methods were congruous with learners.

The results concerning the guidelines for the betterment of Japanese language curriculum and instruction were: 1) the curriculum should be adjusted to be more concise while prioritizing the topics by integrating content in accordance with the learners’ characteristics and current circumstances, and 2) in the process of Japanese language teaching and learning, the instructors should consider changing the methods and developing their skills suitable for the situations and the learners.