A Needs Assessment of Research Competence among Foreign Language Lecturers at Guangxi University of Foreign Languages

Main Article Content

Li Yangyang
Ren Chuming
Supalucsana Lomlai

Abstract

Research competence is an important foundation for university lecturers’ professional development and research capacity building in higher education. However, empirical evidence on the specific dimensions and developmental priorities of foreign language lecturers’ research competence remains limited, especially in specific institutional contexts. This study aimed to examine the current and desirable levels of research competence among foreign language lecturers at Guangxi University of Foreign Languages and to identify priority areas for improvement. A census survey was conducted with 202 foreign language lecturers. The research instrument was a questionnaire on research competence, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the modified Priority Needs Index (PNImodified). The findings showed that lecturers’ current research competence was at a moderate level across all dimensions, whereas the desirable level was high. Development needs were found across all dimensions, while skills in Reviewing the State of Research (PNImodified = 0.18), communication skills (PNImodified = 0.16), and methodological skills (PNImodified = 0.15) emerged as relatively higher priorities. Based on these findings, this study proposes competence enhancement strategies grounded in the Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization (SECI) knowledge creation model, emphasizing the sharing of experiences within research communities, the externalization and integration of research knowledge, and the continuous reflection and internalization of knowledge through research practice.

Article Details

Section
บทความวิจัย (Research Articles)

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