Kind regards and thanks to Ralph on his reply (postbox 15th Jan), but maybe he missed my mildly sarcastic comments. Let’s not fool ourselves when the government does not act as we expect. Its hardly something we can just pin on the Thai officials. However I do agree with his comments that almost everything appears to come before education, I have a Monday class I have seen for just 2 weeks out of the previous 7. Many have been cancelled, I say cancelled, because postponed would mean they were changed to another date and time. Thus the class is weeks behind.. The administrators feel that cultural events are a priority. With just a few weeks of term left, students will either get low grades or fail.

Actually, having a culture is a good thing, but to put it above everything else is short minded. You become an international laughing stock laughing stock.
Countries can’t close their doors to outside influences in this day and age.

Ian

In response to Ian (The good, the bad and the ugly, ajarn postbox 10th January 2011)  I believe Ian is actually believing the same government rhetoric it has spouted for a long time with no results. As with most things in Thailand, It doesn’t have to work, just appear that it does.

Ian writes in part, that “the Thai government wishes to continue to make bold steps forward.“ They certainly are making bold steps. Although I think forward isn’t exactly right. They have said that for a long time, but their actions do not support what they say. But, it DOES bring in more money, which is the bottom line in Thailand. If they are making bold steps forward as the say, who benifits from these bold steps? Certainly not the students.

Ian says that he can, “perform magic acts, create a show, and maybe even leave a class breathless.“ That certainly qualifies him as a good teacher in Thailand where “having fun” is far more important than education and always has been.

As I wrote in my post dated July 17, 2010, Just about anything and everything one can think of comes before education. There are 8 bans in my area, the students here have been to school a total of 17 days since November 1, 2010. On top of all the other things that come before education, not having a teacher show up for work is now also added to the list. It’s actually pathetic to even think the government values education. It’s too worried about keeping the westerners from poisioning the minds of Thais. As long as the students know about their culture, that’s enough. Or so it seems.

The students are learning exactly as the government wants them to. They want them to stay true to their culture, learn to grow rice for a living, stay poor, and not have a voice in the government. That is NOT to say that all rice farmers are poor. The ones that can afford it go to an international school, on to college, and make a decent living. The ones that do not have the money (which is the majority) will stay on the farm or in a meager job earning minium wages all their life. BUT THEY KNOW THEIR CULTURE, which is enough. Or so it seems.

Ralph

Let’s cut to the chase. You’ve done the resume, shown your certificates, dug out a half respectable photo - harder for some than others but still a challenge at the best of times because if we were all photogenic, we would be models not teachers. You’ve provided several references that are actually connected to teaching. Then comes the desired experience teaching Thais and the understanding of Thai culture. Then there is the insistence that we are aged between 21 and 27, drop dead sexy, and furthermore be able to sing, dance and entertain (equity certificate required) provide magic tricks ( magic circle membership needed) plus actually live in Thailand.

It’s now the time we want you to do a demo class! Any organisation that asks for a demo lesson or class should be viewed with suspicion. There is the odd exception and I mean odd, but as a rule of thumb, if you can provide all of the above, then that should be enough. Any half-decent employer will check out all that you provided and this actually gives me reassurance that they know what they want or even what they are doing. I always feel pleased when one of my references calls me and says “we had a call from such and such asking for a reference about you, and we gave it both over the telephone and in writing”

But wait. Some employers still want a demo lesson. Ok I’m an old hand. If I’m asked to give a demo I will sometimes agree to it, but demo lessons are at 2,000 baht an hour minimum time 3 hours. And money up front! The phone goes dead as the caller passes out in shock, or just figures out they’ve been busted. Alright I’m a bit of a sneaky old sod as well, I’ve agreed an odd free demo lesson from time to time and found myself at some poorly equipped office. Then in wanders a group of locals between the age of 3 and 95 and obviously of mixed ability level. Look, if you can’t see a scam now, I have little sympathy for you.

However the more students the better because that’s about five private students in my book - and they will actually learn something. So for my freebie, I’ll find out names, addresses, ability, and what they really want. Thanks. That’s an evening or weekend bonus for me over the next three months, and they will get a real classroom with full facilities and teaching that will build on what they know. For the more advanced students, I will advise them on university placements, visas, even where to stay, who to talk with and what university is best if they have both the ability and desire to study in the UK.

So when you have done the whole song and dance routine to get an interview and then out comes the request for a demo lesson, smile and say no - or better still ask for 3,000 baht an hour.

Ian

Ok so its nice to earn a few…..
But stop for a moment and think! Is it the answer to everything? Take it from an old hand at the game - no its not. Look at all the extras that are on offer:

Visa assistance, insurance, health care, working hours, equipment provided, holidays, social working conditions

Long list don’t you think… well enter any staff room, take a deep breath, pour yourself a coffee sit down and just stop, look and listern.

Give it 10 minutes… do all the foreign staff sit alone, do all the Thai staff just keep themselves to themselves, do you actually feel welcome?

Take a class or two, do they all fall asleep knowing that they will pass? Do they act like wild unleashed rampant rabid dogs ( already enough on Bangkok streets) does attention seem to wander within seconds, no books to hand, no equipment,.... by now alarm bells should be ringing like the Titanic was going down!

Thailand has had some dreadful unqualified teachers in the past, but also they have not helped themselves. Poorly equipped schools, students not ready for study ) parents who demand and want the best but fail the basics to help their own children….!

Take a step back and learn to say… No sorry this is not for me. This will only in the long term help, students and teachers.

Lastly there are some wonderful students, but like breaking in a horse, you are going to have to break in a class as well, that is if its not already been done, and trust me some classes are a dream, some…. have not… well to start with anyway.

However trust your own judgement….. kids will try it on.. we did.. our parents did…. and so will Thai kids!... nothing changes

But enjoy. Is this not teaching?

Ian

I really enjoy teaching in Thailand.  I think its a great country.  Several media statements by the Thai government have said that they wish to continue to make bold steps forward, weed out the non qualified, lazy, poor, stupid and useless teachers….. Forgive me if I go out and celabrate a new vision! Look I’m a teacher who can prove references, exams, certificates, results, experence, and even be quite good looking. I can perform magic acts, create a show and maybe even leave a class breathless. So what’s the grumble?.... if half the administration and even some of the classes understood the basics of education then we might just get a series of cannon fodder brain washed students to take on board the benifits of education rather than just tick boxes that say pass.

I am lucky enough to be teaching some students that are, not only bright, but show signs of free thinking and a desire to expand their boundaries.  I don’t and will not pass every student, and if it costs me my job, who cares? I’m not lowering my standards for anyone! We need basic acceptance on both sides…. good qualified teachers for one, but also lets get students mind set right to learn, meaning that they will have to do work on a regular basis to get a pass. What really hurts from a teachers view is I can see some very bright students, who are being held back by social ideals.

I can teach a class at 8.20am of which less than 80% have had a breakfast! Coming in to a classroom where many students want to sleep, because they either got up late ( parents responsibility) failed to eat breakfast ( parents responsibility) and just want us teachers to mold a genius!.... time to get real folks. I’ve spoken to many parents over the past weeks and I will continue to do so…. Give me a cabbage and I’ll make you a salad…. give me a child and I will give you a bright future.

I hate it when classes get cut for some social activity. I’ve even offered my time free outside school hours to bring students up to speed or even advance their situation…. mostly to mild response. So yes… let’s get good teachers teaching students but lets get parents to prepare their loved ones properly, lets get the schools to concentrate on real education, support your teachers…. and we all love culture, ... I love Thai culture, but don’t let it hold your children back from improving, themselves and Thailand.

I have seen some students who could, given the right support and encouragement, make Thailand a great and better, and weathier place to live. Plus still keep their culture.

Ian