ENGLISH COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE AND THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT AMONG TAXI DRIVERS IN BANGKOK
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate English communication competence and the need for skill development among taxi drivers in Bangkok. The specific objectives were to: 1) examine the opinions regarding English communication competence among taxi drivers in Bangkok, 2) investigate their opinions concerning the need for developing English communication skills, and 3) compare their opinions on English communication competence and the need for developing such skills. The sample group consisted of 371 taxi drivers in Bangkok, while the research instrument was a questionnaire demonstrating an overall reliability coefficient of .973. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, x̄ standard deviation, and paired t-test.
The research findings were as follows:
1. English communication competence in all skill areas was at a moderate level. Listening received the highest mean score ( = 2.67, S.D. = 1.143), while writing received the lowest mean score (
= 2.45, S.D. = 1.173);
2. the need for developing English communication skills in all areas was at a high level. Reading showed the highest level of need ( = 4.03, S.D. = 1.081), whereas writing showed the lowest level of need (
= 3.95, S.D. = 1.183); and
3. there were statistically significant differences at the .05 level between the opinions on English communication competence and the need for developing English communication skills of taxi drivers in all aspects.
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