Confessions of a new teacher

What I've learned in the first five months

30th March 2013

I'm Karisa and I couldn't be more of a cliché: a blonde, American, recent college grad who decided to go teach in a foreign country! Don't be too impressed with me; I'm hardly unique in this expedition to teach English abroad.

Thais and speaking English

Sent in by Steve

19th November 2012

In Thailand they have a genuine disinterest to talk and communicate with foreigners. They're generally not eager to learn about other cultures. They are closed. Why? who knows. Maybe its because its a big country that houses everything that you'll ever need in your lifetime.

Small talk with big results

The art of teaching English forwards

23rd August 2012

"Hi, how are you?" "I'm fine thank you, and you?" "I'm fine thank you." Now, where have we all seen and heard this longwinded, nigh on nonsensical way of communicating before?

Short and sweet

How to get large classes talking

26th June 2012

Over the last 7 years of working in Thailand, I’ve seen numerous teaching forum threads about how to get large classes talking.

Teacher mistakes

Avoid falling into any of these teacher traps

19th March 2012

Ajarn has put together a list of the most common mistakes that teachers make in Thailand - both new arrivals and those who have been here a while.

Working smart, not working hard

Making the most of your teaching time

8th December 2011

By paying more attention to your teaching hours and your overall availability, it's possible to juggle teaching jobs around and watch your monthly earnings soar.

Three basic techniques in whole brain teaching

The class yes, the teach OK and the scoreboard

30th April 2011

It is important to note that of course when introducing a new technique to class that they understand what is expected of them. In addition you have to practice the procedures with them and get them to the point where they can do what you tell them on command.

Whole brain teaching techniques

An amazing new approach to teaching that really works

19th April 2011

Do you want to be able to control a roomful of pratom one students with one simple word? ? Would you like to get 99 per cent participation from your matayom class? Do you want an easy way to engage your adult students making learning fun for them and for you?

Classroom ice breakers

How to start your lesson off the right way

7th March 2011

Summer classes begin soon and many of us will be working during our vacation. One of the problems we face is how to maintain student interest

Transforming lesson plans into modules

Plans to develop a better school curriculum

26th September 2010

Teachers who use their own modules know very well the advantages they bring to classroom teaching and professional development.

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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.