A Thai field trip
Where's our risk assessment?
I'm hoping to be invited on another Thai school field trip. The students are well behaved, and it was quite a lot of fun! Who would have thought you could get a job that pays you to have a good time at the zoo?
How to motivate your students
Sent in by Stephen Salter
These kids passed every test I set them after our keep fit regime started. Carrot and stick works every time if used properly, but I suppose it helps if you know what you are doing. I know all teachers don't have the freedom I had but do try it if you can
Teaching corporate classes
Mixing it with the suits
A few weeks ago, an opportunity finally presented itself through my part-time language school to teach two evenings per week at an engineering firm in the Ekkamai area. I jumped on the chance, and I must say: I'm so glad I did!
How’s the project doing?
A progress report on the Nonthaburi Project
The Nonthaburi English Teachers Project (NETP) in Thailand began in 2005. It has existed for nearly 9 years now but I haven't read a personal account yet from someone who is a part of it.
Help urgently required
Sent in by Jojo Tiger
I'm a teacher at the end of my tether with the situation I currently find myself in.
Things I’d do differently
How am I going to get the best out of my students next term?
It's the last week of school, and I find myself thinking of ways to conduct my classes better than I have during this term. It's not that I think I've done a poor job, but I know there's always room for improvement. Besides, I'd hate to get bored; a bored teacher equals bored students. Bored students don't learn.
Beyond speaking day
Activities to get your students talking
My school director asked me to organise an English Speaking Day in our school. When I implemented the idea, my director was overwhelmed by its impact on students' interest and English language development.
School open house
Not something you would expect to find in a Western school
For the past few weeks, all the students in our school have been preparing projects, posters, and games for the school's Open House Expo which is apparently held once every three years.
Christmas and mid-terms at school
A relatively carefree couple of weeks at school
The Foreign Language Department put on a nice 2-hour long show for the entire school the Thursday before Christmas. I'm not sure why this date was chosen instead of Friday, but I do know that during Christmas itself, midterms were in session. It was quite nice, and I think the kids generally enjoyed it. But then again, who doesn't enjoy getting to miss two hours of class first thing in the morning?
Magazines with class part two
What I've learned from a school magazine project
What has topped it all off for me is the surprising ease that this potentially challenging project (getting students to produce a school magazine) has been thus far.
Featured Teachers
-
Asger
Certificate (3)
Dane (male, 41 years old, native Danish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Sary
Certificate (2)
Spaniard (female, 33 years old, native Spanish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Nicholas
MA (1), Certificate (1), Diploma (1), PGCE (1)
British (male, 38 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Jennelyn
Diploma (1)
Filipino (female, 32 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Stephen
MA (1), BA (1), Certificate (1)
American (male, 43 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Benjamin
BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 40 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Guillaume
BA (1), Certificate (1), Diploma (1)
Ivorian (male, 41 years old, native French speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Caroline
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
Irish (female, 26 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Nigel
BSc (1), Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 52 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Wilcone
Diploma (1)
Filipino (female, 26 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Most recently answered question:
Would employers consider hiring someone with a vision impairment disability?
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.
Friends of Ajarn
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
The Region Guides
Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"
