Exploration of the students' problems in taking O-NET English language test : a case study of Assumption College Ubon Ratchathani Grade 10 students

This research study aimed to explore the students’ problems in taking the O-NET English language test for grade 9 level in the academic year 2012. Twelve Thai participants from Assumption College Ubon Ratchathani were purposively chosen to participate in this study; 9 students and 3 teachers.
This mixed-method research collected and analyzed the data from semi-structured interview, textbook analysis and documents. The analysis of primary data from semi-structured interview adopted the Grounded Theory method developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in 1967. The content analysis approach was used to analyze the supplementary data from the textbooks.
The result showed that students’ problems in taking the O-NET English language test in the academic year 2012 were (1) reading ability, (2) limited knowledge of vocabulary, (3) overemphasis on an English into Thai word-to-word translation while taking the O-NET English test, (4) awareness of the usefulness of O-NET English language test score, (5) students’ behaviors in learning English and (6) time structure.
The result also showed same suggestions for improving O-NET English language test scores: (1) taking review classes in and outside the school, (2) studying and reviewing with foreign tutors, teachers or Thai and foreign team teachers, (3) reviewing more and using old O-NET test papers, (4) reading more books in English, (5) build and practice more vocabulary and (6) encouraging students to like English and realize its importance.