This mixed-methods study investigated the English language and content needs of Thai EFL undergraduates to inform the development of in-flight communicative English materials integrating intercultural communicative competence (ICC). A stratified survey was administered to 265 airline business management students from multiple universities in Bangkok, followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. Quantitative findings showed that students prioritised speaking and listening skills, particularly for handling real-time service interactions, safety procedures, and conflict situations. They also identified professional cabin crew skills and ICC as essential content areas. The qualitative phase provided deeper insights into students' expectations for authentic cabin-crew-related tasks, the need for a clearer understanding of cabin crew duties, the value of ICC in managing culturally diverse passenger interactions, and role-play as a preferred activity. These findings highlight the need for ESP learning materials that integrate aviation-specific communication, ICC, and ESP teaching pedagogy. The study also contributes to ESP and materials development by proposing evidence-based directions for designing English for airline courses that better prepare Thai EFL learners for global aviation contexts.
Parinya Khumruk, Supong Tangkiengsirisin· The New English Teacher· 0 citations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed modern education by offering adaptive learning environments and transforming traditional pedagogical approaches. This article examines empirical findings surrounding the benefits, challenges, and applications AItools into English Language Teaching (ELT), specifically focusing on the Thai ELT context, to uncover current controversies and methodological limitations. The review reveals that while AI offers significant affordances, such as personalizing learning, reducing student anxiety, lowering teacher workload, and improving language skills, it also introduces critical pedagogical tensions. Notable challenges include ethical concerns such as plagiarism, learners' over-reliance on technology, accent biases, and the inability of AI to
Tangkiengsirisin et al. (2026), pp. 1-17LEARN Journal: Vol. 19, No. 2 (2026)Page 2detect cultural nuances and authentic human emotions. Furthermore, the analysis highlights prominent methodological shortcomings in existing Thai ELT research, including positive publication bias, an over-reliance on short-term qualitative self-reports, and a lack of robust mixed-methods or longitudinal studies capable of controlling for novelty effects. The study concludes that current literature frequently overlooks the practical integration of AI within traditional, human-centric teaching methodologies. To achieve a mature and sustainable AI-enhanced ELT paradigm, the paper recommends a forward-looking research agenda prioritizing longitudinal, mixed-methods studies and the development of balanced pedagogies that harmonize AI innovations with the traditional teacher-student relationships deeply rooted in Thai culture.
Supong Tangkiengsirisin, L. Canh, Sethawut Techasan· LEARN Journal : Language Edu...· 0 citations