Title:                            An Evaluation of a University Level English for Tourism Program

Researcher:                  Jenna Lee Thompson

Degree:                        Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other   Languages

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an English for Tourism program at a northern Thai University.  The participants included fifteen students who enrolled in the course, two university officials from the international college, and the instructor of the course.  Four types of instruments were used in this research: a questionnaire, interviews, a teacher’s log, and learning materials.  The questionnaire collected data from the learners to determine their overall reactions to different course features.  The interview questions gathered information regarding the stakeholders’ perceptions of the program.  In addition, informal interviews were conducted with learners to follow-up the questionnaire responses.  The teacher’s log documented, described, and reflected on different aspects of the course.  The documentary sources analyzed the degree of communicative interaction opportunities present in the texts. 

The results revealed that the learners responded positively to in-class listening and speaking tasks that they felt manageable and relevant to their future ambitions.  However, there were negative responses towards textbook and outside readings; the learners viewed these as non-essential towards their goals.  In addition, the stakeholders viewed the program as a vital part of the curriculum, but felt that the learners’ backgrounds were hindering the overall program development. 

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