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English teachers and literacy

19th July 2011

Phil from Ajarn.com has commented about the number of letters he receives that are indecipherable. As Ajarn is a dedicated teacher’s site one can only assume that these letters are sent in by existing or prospective teachers in Thailand. Speaks volumes for the literacy of some candidates.

We get applications from prospective teachers all the time, often accompanied by obviously fake degrees. (The most amusing example had the word “Registrar” spelled as “register” on the alleged degree certificate.)  Basic spelling mistakes and horrendous grammatical errors give them away every time. Even International schools commit howlers. A position for a “Librarian” was advertised as “liberian” leading me to wonder whether the vacancy required a native of West Africa. Is it any wonder that Thais can’t write a basic English sentence yet alone a paragraph when their foreign teachers can’t either?

Rob

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About Ajarn.com

Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.

Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.