This study aimed to develop a phonics-based training curriculum to strengthen English pronunciation teaching competencies among Thai teachers, using the Phonics Focus instructional materials. The objectives were to: (1) identify common English pronunciation problems among Thai learners; (2) examine Thai speakers’ natural rhythmic patterns in pronouncing English; (3) develop a training curriculum integrating phonics instructional materials suitable for nationwide use; and (4) evaluate the curriculum’s effectiveness. Using a research and development approach, the study surveyed 2,000 participants and found that the most challenging phonemes involved alphabet- and word-level sounds absent in Thai. A second survey of 1,200 participants showed that three-syllable rhythmic patterns were most natural for Thai speakers. These findings informed the development of Phonics Focus, comprising A to Z Phonics, AEIOU Phonics, and FIXED Phonics materials. The training curriculum employed workshops, demonstrations, guided practice, and coaching to support teachers’ phonics instruction. Reflection data from 400 teachers across multiple provinces indicated high satisfaction and improved instructional competence, with most achieving competency level 3 or above.

Authors:
Anucha Khaengkhan, Suan Dusit University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Anucha Khaengkhan, a lecturer in curriculum and English education, focuses on teacher development and educational innovation. He is currently leading a national project on phonics training for teachers.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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