ELLITE: Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): ELLITE: May

The Instructional Challenges of Non-Thai Teachers in English Language Education for Thai Primary Students: A Case Study at Selected Thai Schools

Jihan Fadhillah (universitas muhammadiyah tangerang)
Abdul Rohim (Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang)
Muh. Iqbal Firdaus (Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang)
Sanitpim Thongbab (Ban Loei Wangsai School)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2026

Abstract

This study investigates instructional challenges faced by a non-Thai teacher in teaching English to Thai primary students within a cross-cultural classroom context. While previous research has primarily emphasized students’ perceptions of foreign teachers, limited attention has been given to classroom-based instructional processes. This qualitative study involved 12 Thai primary students from Grades 3 to 6. Data were collected through classroom observations, reflective teaching notes, students’ drawings, and short interviews and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that instructional challenges emerged in managing student engagement, delivering comprehensible English input, addressing affective barriers to participation, navigating the absence of Thai language support, and managing cross-cultural novelty in the classroom. These challenges required ongoing instructional adjustment, including the use of visual support, modeling, repetition, and peer assistance to facilitate understanding and participation. The study highlights the complexity of teaching young learners in cross-cultural EFL settings and underscores the importance of adaptive classroom practices in multilingual primary education contexts.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ELLITE

Publisher

Subject

Education Other

Description

ELLITE Journal is published by English Education Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education,Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember twice a year on May and November. This journal aims to provide opportunity for researchers to publish their research articles in the areas of English Language, English ...