Author: Wararat Whanchit
Affiliation: English Program, School of Liberal Arts, Walailak University
Pensive Mood — August 31, 2025
Growing up in the 1970s, I experienced education in a rather conventional way. But thanks to the support of my family, especially outside the formal curriculum, I had the opportunity to explore English before it was officially introduced in school.
Back then, English became a compulsory subject from Grade 5. However, my mother was forward-thinking—she invested in English learning materials like Follow Me, a popular resource at the time, to expose her children to the language during early childhood. This early introduction made a big difference.
Equally influential was our home environment. My father, a passionate self-taught language learner and a creative writer, played a major role in shaping our relationship with English. He was an avid reader of Reader’s Digest, and our house was filled with copies of the magazine, along with various documentary books. As children, we grew up recognizing the importance of understanding English long before we knew how vital it would be. That early perception of its value became a strong motivation for me to learn.
Looking back, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been exposed to English from a young age.
รูปที่ 1 เด็กน้อยกำลังอ่านหนังสือภาษาอังกฤษ ‘Follow Me’ และนิตยสาร ‘Reader’s Digest’
ในบรรยากาศบ้านที่อบอุ่น
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Learning Through Traditional Methods
Reflecting on how I learned English, especially in the foundational stages, I can say with confidence that it was through traditional, teacher-centered methods. I was taught grammar rules, sentence structures, and vocabulary in a very systematic way. Each day in class, I made sure I understood the lessons being taught. That focus on understanding—not just memorizing—was what made all the difference for me.
In the 1980s, English education in schools had not yet embraced the communicative approach that’s common today. Instead, we relied heavily on drill and practice exercises. I remember those well—series of sentences with a word in brackets, where we were tasked with replacing it using the correct part of speech.
These exercises did more than just build vocabulary. They helped me internalize language structures, recognize grammar patterns, and construct accurate sentences. When I faced more advanced tasks later, I found I could apply these rules instinctively. That early, repetitive practice laid a strong foundation for mastering the language.
Speaking Practice and Real-World Use
Was I worried about not being able to speak English? Honestly, not really. At that time, opportunities to interact with foreigners were rare, so I didn’t have much reason to feel frustrated about speaking.
However, I do recall seeking out speaking practice with an American missionary. That experience helped boost my communication skills and gave me a chance to apply what I had learned in real-life conversation. It was also a confirmation that my foundational knowledge had prepared me for basic real-world communication.
High School, University, and Beyond
Later in high school and university, my English learning deepened, but I always came back to the foundation laid during those early years. From my experience, the foundation stage is the most crucial part of language development.
One strategy that truly strengthened my foundation was the drill and practice method—what some might call rote learning. While this method may seem outdated to some, it proved highly effective for me. It trained my mind to recognize patterns, retain vocabulary, and apply grammar intuitively.
Final Thoughts
Every language learner has a unique journey. Mine began with early exposure at home, reinforced by conventional teaching methods and a strong emphasis on understanding and practice. In a world that now emphasizes communicative fluency, I still see great value in the structured, repetitive practice that built my foundation. After all, it’s those early building blocks that continue to support my language skills today.
While my journey was shaped by traditional methods, learners today have access to a wide range of innovative tools and approaches—from language apps and online courses to immersive media and real-time communication platforms. These modern resources make the learning experience more engaging, interactive, and personalized than ever before. The key is to find what works best for you—and stay consistent.My advice to fellow language learners: Be patient, and trust the process. Language development takes time—but if you stay committed, you’ll see a better version of yourself every day.
รูปที่ 2 ภาพเปรียบเทียบเครื่องมือในการศึกษาสมัยเก่าและสมัยใหม่
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