Empowering EMI Teachers with "Teacher Talk" Training

Researchers at Silpakorn University have developed a training program to enhance the English language proficiency of Thai university instructors using English-Medium Instruction (EMI). The "teacher talk" training aims to improve instructors' limited English proficiency, especially in speech intelligibility, and increase their ability to teach effectively in EMI settings. The study involved 49 Thai EMI university instructors across seven disciplines, who underwent training using "teacher talk" as core materials, pretest and posttest assessments, and a satisfaction survey to evaluate participants' feedback.

Key Takeaways:

• The "teacher talk" training program was designed to empower 49 Thai EMI university instructors across seven disciplines, improving their English language proficiency and ability to teach effectively in EMI settings.
• The training program employed a range of instruments, including "teacher talk" as core materials, pretest and posttest assessments, and a satisfaction survey to evaluate participants' feedback.
• The study identified 20 essential "teacher talk" functions, from which 80 key multisyllabic words were extracted and used as the basis for pretest and posttest assessments.
• The training emphasized explicit instruction on accurately producing these key words and sentences related to the 20 functions, resulting in a significant increase in test scores.
• The study concluded that the "teacher talk" training program was effective in enhancing the participants' word stress knowledge and their ability to apply these skills practically.
• A mean perception score of 4.62 and positive feedback from the participants provided strong evidence of the training's success.

Statistics:

• 49 Thai EMI university instructors participated in the study across seven disciplines.
• 20 essential "teacher talk" functions were identified, from which 80 key multisyllabic words were extracted.
• The pretest and posttest assessments showed a significant increase in test scores, demonstrating the training's effectiveness.
• The satisfactory survey showed a mean perception score of 4.62.
• Positive feedback from the participants provided strong evidence of the training's success.

Sources:

• "Teacher talk": An empowering resource for EMI teachers across disciplines. Studies in English Language and Education, 2025,12(2):613-631.
• Universitas Syiah Kuala.
• Budsaba Kanoksilapatham, Faculty of Management Science, Silpakorn University Academy of Arts, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok.