DOCUMENT RESUME ED 347 824 FL 020 399 AUTHOR Wongsothorn, Achara TITLE Steps in EFL Graduate Program Design by the Language Institute, Chulalongkorn University. PUB DATE 92 NOTE 25p.; In: Read, J. S., Ed. Case Studies in Syllabus and Course Design (SEAMEO Regional Language Centre Occasional Papers No. 31), p29-44, SEAMEO Regional Language Centre: Singapore (revised 1992). PUB TYPE Reports - Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Business; *English (Second Language); Foreign CountriesT Government Employees; Graduate Study; Higher Education; Language Research; *Language Skills; Listening Skills; Needs Assessment; Program Evaluation; Reading Skills; *Second Language Instruction; Surveys; Verbal Communication IDENTIFIERS *Thailand ABSTRACT A survey was conducted at the Chulalongkorn University Language Institute in Thailand to identify societal needs for using English. The following issues were investigated: (1) the extent to which English was being used and was needed by Thai government personnel; (2) the extent and purpose of using listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills; (3) the adequacy of English skills obtained from educational institutions; (4) and the actual skill levels attained and the desired levels to be attained. A total of 486 subjects were surveyed in government agencies, state enterprises, and business firms in Bangkok. Results of the study indicated that government agencies and state enterprises used English moderately and that the businesses used it more frequently. The required skills were ranked in the following order of importance: reading (most important), writing, listening, speaking, and translation. The language use profiles in Thai society are concluded to be appropriate a.; guidelines for the design of English syllabi. Two subsequent surveys studied the managemant of graduate English programs in seven other higher education institutions, and the needs of graduate English programs in Chulalongkorn University. Nineteen tables supplement the narrative. Contains 10 references. (LB) *****************1***************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * **********************************************t************************