Thailand running before it can crawl
Postbox letter from Mr. Russell Park
In 2010 there were 250 schools nationwide in the EP program. In 2011 it doubled to 500 and they estimate it will double again next year. The Thais are running around the country, awarding their schools this stamp of 'World Class School'. Which world do they mean?
Impressive school, impressive owner
A place where educating youngsters really does matter
For this month's blog I would like to take an in-depth look at one of the most impressive schools in Thailand: Varee Chiang Mai School
What damage exactly?
Postbox letter from Peelie
The damage that unqualified foreign teachers do to the Thai system is minimal. All the damage is done by the Thais themselves.
Is it the teachers fault?
Postbox letter from James
We face an impossible task. You can’t force someone to learn and I flatly refuse to accept that it is all the teacher’s fault. The schools and managers would certainly have you believe that and it is in their own interests to do so.
The teacher's diary revisited
One teacher's descent into madness. Now updated for 2011
The diary is the heartbreaking four-week journal of Mr Jim Elmdon - a teacher who came to Thailand and failed miserably. Keep a box of tissues handy.
A change ain't gonna come
Postbox letter from Paul
The Government is pouring bhat after bhat into improving the Thais ability to speak English, but it is not happening much because Thais are resistant to change
Three basic techniques in whole brain teaching
The class yes, the teach OK and the scoreboard
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.
The enemy within
The evil side of the TEFL industry
It is a complicity of silence that sees many foreign teachers working hand-in-glove with a Thai administration that cares only about money and maintaining an educational system mired in cultural backwardness and social repression.
English for integrated studies
Its implications for Thailand’s foreign teaching industry
In 2009, the Ministry of Education promoted the so-called "World-Class Standard Schools" to 500 pilot schools in Thailand. It aims to encourage schools in promoting critical thinking, creativity and global-mindedness among the students by adding four co-curricular subjects
No student fails
Postbox letter from Ralph
A friend called me yesterday and told me he was being held accountable because his students had poor grades. He hasn't seen his students in 3 weeks.
