To my students who think I'm rich and famous
Postbox letter from Kenny
You ask me if I’m rich, if I own a car, if I’ve been to Paris. I get it. Western media does a great job of selling that dream. But here's the truth: I don’t own a car. I own a bicycle and even that gets a flat tire every so often.
10 classroom phrases every Thai student knows
Learn them. Embrace them. And yes - always have a game ready.
Often said with absolute honesty and zero shame, Thai students can be refreshingly direct when it comes to shortcuts.
Good morning teacher, how are you?
The ritual of greetings in Thai classrooms
You might be tempted to shake things up, maybe throw in a casual “Hey, guys!” or an upbeat “What’s up?” But don’t. This is not the time for creativity. This is not the time for free expression.
Why are teenagers so tough to teach?
Postbox letter from Michael
Teaching English to teenagers in Thailand is hands down one of the toughest gigs out there. I’ve been in classrooms where I’ve felt like a stand-up comedian dying on stage.
A teaching room of your own
It's not just about having a space to teach; it's about creating a hub for learning, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Starting out as a floating teacher meant I didn't have a proper classroom for the first two years. It was like being a nomad in the world of education, but it taught me to adapt like a pro.
I don't worry about complaints
Postbox letter from Mike
As long as the majority of the parents and students in my class are happy, I don't worry about complaints. There will always be parents or students who have something to complain about.
Succeeding with Thai college students
Using Thai teaching assistants and adapting materials, etc
From 2016 to 2018, I worked at a small college in Thailand. Many of my intensive English students came from poor families in Isaan and this was their first experience away from home.
Academic tenacity
Student attrition in ESP courses
A group of Stanford researchers have done some fascinating work on why some students can handle the pressures of study and see the value in sticking with it. Their term for this is academic tenacity.
Three fun warm-up activities
Games designed to get students focused on using English and getting comfortable with their classmates.
Have fun with these games and consider joining in with your students! Great EFL warm-up activities really set the tone for a great class. Enjoy!
Teaching very young learners
Whatever your gender you should feel confident to teach students of any age.
I quickly learned that teaching very young learners requires a lot of energy but it also energizes you at the same time. I was pretty nervous about teaching five and six year old students but in the end I have found something which I really enjoy.
