The Development of Online Teaching and Learning for Learners of French at Tertiary Level

Abstract

The spread of Covid-19 since 2019 has changed the way people live as well as they way we learn. The traditional style where learning happens in a classroom and with students-teacher direct interaction is no longer feasible as social distancing has become mandatory. Teaching and learning are, therefore, conducted online. This study has 2 purposes: 1. to explore teaching and learning of French occurred at tertiary level with Thai learners and 2. to propose guidelines for effective teaching and learning arrangements that comply with Thai learners’ characteristics and are applicable to the current situation. To fulfill these purposes, the researchers have scrutinized the results gained from the interview of 20 learners and 10 teachers from all over the country. This qualitative study suggests that the learners and the teachers’ demands are aligned, i.e., supported by every relevant party, practical content in real life, natural learning environments, individualized care, encouragement, the right push in learning, and development of compelling learning media. A few challenges are stressed. For instance, the lack of interaction between the students and the teachers, which can be solved using camera, and the lack of thirst in learning, excessive teaching preparation time and in-class activity time. Nonetheless, both the learners and the teachers have positive attitude toward online learning and are eager to address the challenges, aiming for more effective online learning.