John Wilson

John Wilson's blog on Ajarn.com


Are TEFL qualifications necessary?

Let's consider what can go wrong after TEFL courses.

One argument against qualifications is that teaching experience itself is enough to guarantee a good teacher. Not so. I have recently been learning French in an institution where my intermediate classmates are often poor performers in their out-of-class interactions. And for what reason?


First impressions count

Get the basics right first

Here are some valuable interview tips derived from my experience as the academic director of the Language Institute at DPU.


Can you start on Monday?

What lies behind that oft-heard request?

This request often means the organisation you are joining is less than adept at hiring procedures and is pressed for time. The ‘power-dressing princess’ delegated to find new recruits may have had little aptitude for the practicalities of recruitment.


Playing to the gallery

Successful class-management and learner success is dependant on having fun

We are all familiar with the fact that every class has its own special chemistry. For obscure reasons some classes are friendly, others not; some bright and perky, others lackluster and heavy going.


Featured Jobs

Native English Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Nonthaburi


Editor for Regional Business Publication

฿80,000+ / month

Bangkok


English Teacher for Immediate Start

฿45,000+ / month

Ayutthaya


NES Primary 1 Homeroom Teacher (Female)

฿38,500+ / month

Phuket


NES Homeroom Primary Teacher for Grade 1

฿55,000+ / month

Chiang Rai


Full-time Native English Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Rica


    Filipino, 27 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Maria


    Filipino, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Cecil


    French, 41 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Alex


    Ghanian, 32 years old. Currently living in Ghana

  • Alma


    Filipino, 42 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Chandrashekar


    Indian, 59 years old. Currently living in India

The Hot Spot


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The Region Guides

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.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.