The Guidelines for Developing Thai Listening and Speaking Skills among Early Childhood Students in a Bilingual School System: A Case Study of Ban Halabala School

Abstract

This study was a qualitative research.  A case study was used as a research design. The objective of this study was to investigate the guidelines for developing Thai listening and speaking skills among early childhood students in a bilingual school system (Thai-Malay). Key informants were 10 individuals, consisting of 1 school director, 1 academic teacher in early childhood department, and 8 teachers in early childhood level. The key participants were recruited by using a purposeful selection from Ban Halabala School (pseudonym). A Semi-structured interview protocol was used as a research instrument. Data collection was conducted by in-depth interview. Content analysis was used for data analysis. The results of this research indicated that the guidelines for developing Thai listening and speaking among early childhood students in a bilingual school system of Halabala School included the applications of 1) Experience plans, 2) Bilingual tales and 3) Bilingual music. Besides the scope of the study, the use of multimedia and organized activities for early childhood students were also implemented by the school. This study indicated those guidelines are appropriate and useful for helping students improve Thai listening and speaking skills.