Why online teaching isn't for me
Speaking to students online just isn’t the same as being in a classroom face-to-face
Like many teachers out there, I found myself suddenly teaching online at home without much preparation time. By the end of week one, I had run into several issues.
The accidental whistle blower
Distance learning TV and the toppling of Kru Wang
If we're going to be pointing a condescending finger at one teacher in one video at one moment in time then we should maybe look into a mirror and point it at ourselves, too.
The good, the bad and the virtuous!
By just being here, you are making the education system better.
I've isolated the most compelling reasons why people teach long-term in Thailand and there are four of them as far as I can see... we like doing it, we can do it, we get paid for doing it, and 'purpose'.
A year in Ubon (part one)
I know. I'll go and teach English in Thailand.
Do a TEFL course, sell my bungalow, get a teaching job and move to Thailand. What could be difficult about that?
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.
Solving the 'boring campus' issue
Ten low or no cost ideas to make your campus sticky
Most college administrators and professors here in Thailand are familiar with the student complaint: campus is boring! Some universities are trying to solve this problem using the idea of “stickiness” In fact 'the sticky campus' is now a designer phrase.
What you can learn working with colleagues from different countries
Everyone has something to offer you
Overall, I really enjoy having a true international environment at work. The chance to work and meet people from so many countries has improved me as a teacher and allowed me to learn a lot about other cultures.
How far does a 40K salary go in Bangkok?
Will you be living well - or simply surviving?
Is it possible to live in Bangkok on a 30,000 baht teacher salary? OK, let's really drill down those numbers.
25 teacher mistakes / rules to teach by
Postbox letter from James
25 teacher mistakes to learn and live by - especially if you are a teacher in Thailand.
Tips for the newbie teacher
Keep these points in mind and you'll cope far better
Don't get stressed by the job. Remember that you are merely the latest in a long line of farang teachers who have come and gone. There isn't enough time to make any real progress with students' English so just try and make it fun for them.
