Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to analyze the needs of teacher
candidates for Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC
preparation short-course instruction at Buriram Rajabhat University Language
Center (BRULC). The sample group included 32 eligible teacher candidates
under an initiative recruited teachers to work in their hometowns in 2017. The
samples were also BRU alumni from 10 programs of Faculty of Education:
Thai, English, Early Childhood Education, Social Studies, Math, Physics,
General Sciences, Physical Education, Music and Thai Dramatic Arts. They
were selected by using a purposive sampling method. The research instruments
were composed of a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Statistics
utilized in data analysis were percentage, mean, Standard Deviation, and
content analysis.
The results showed that most of the samples were females (71.9%) and
most of them were from Social Studies program (18.8%). The samples opined
that they needed the instruction in terms of instructional materials at the highest
level (4.79), followed by teachers (4.60), and content of the course (4.55),
respectively. In terms of instructional materials, most of the samples viewed
that they needed exercises and practice tests the most. Regarding the teachers
aspect, most of them needed the teachers who experienced taking the TOEIC
before and the teachers must be able to teach strategies to take the TOEIC in
each part. Concerning the content of the course, most of the samples viewed
that they needed strategies as well as techniques in taking the TOEIC. It was
suggested that the vocabulary, strategies and techniques in taking the TOEIC
including tips for time management must be focused on and mainly taught in
the course. In addition, the TOEIC preparation course must be organized by
the BRULC continuously for the benefits of the test takers who needed the
TOEIC score.
