EnhancingStudents’Performance on the Test of English Communication in the Workplace(TEC-W) at Saengtham College, Thailand

The study explored the factors influencing students' performance on the TEC-W, examined their perceptions of the factors, and recommended enhancement strategies. The research utilized a mixed-methods design involving 52 third- and fourth-year Philosophy students at Saengtham College. After synthesizing relevant literature, the study identified five factors affecting TEC-W performance: student motivation and attitude, teaching, learning materials and activities in class, outside-classroom preparation, and TEC-W testing. A survey questionnaire was administered to scrutinize the participants' perceptions regarding these factors, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed high satisfaction with teaching (x̄ = 3.72) and learning materials and activities in class (x̄ = 3.60), while student motivation and attitude (x̄ = 3.33), outside-classroom preparation (x̄ = 3.25), and student familiarization with the TEC-W testing (x̄ = 3.12) received moderate average scores. A focus group discussion (FGD) with 20 students was conducted to gain insights on improving TEC-W performance. The study recommends increasing student motivation and confidence in learning English, enhancing teaching quality to align with TEC-W requirements, improving learning materials and classroom resources, encouraging outside-classroom preparation by providing resources for independent study and familiarizing students with TEC-W testing through mock tests to reduce anxiety and improve testing skills. Highlights The study identifies five key factors influencing TEC-W performance: student motivation and attitude, teaching quality, learning materials and in-class activities, outside-classroom preparation, and TEC-W testing. Using a mixed-methods design, the research conducted surveys and focus group discussions (FGD) with third- and fourth-year Philosophy students. Results show high satisfaction with teaching and classroom materials, but only moderate levels in motivation, outside-classroom preparation, and TEC-W testing. The study recommends strategies to build motivation and confidence, improve materials and resources, and use mock tests to enhance TEC-W exam readiness.