Problems with the Thai public education system
A list of almost twenty issues that certainly need looking at
I want to list some of the more egregious problems and describe reasonable solutions. Testing and implementing the solutions on a small scale will come later, if at all.
Expensive desk ornaments
Let's figure out how to fix the education system
I fully expect the majority of farang teachers to disagree with me and the approach I'm advocating. If you don't want to participate, fine, go drink a Chang and reflect upon your superior knowledge.
Everyone will pass!
Postbox letter from Roy
I’ve been teaching here a little over twenty years and have heard students say they don’t care if they fail because they know they will still pass.
Cheating or helping?
Is it better to simply observe students and not try to fix things?
I learned a long time ago to not expect Thai people to think or behave the way we do in California. I've come to realize the futility of trying to impose Western values on this ancient culture.
Why can't Thais speak English?
Some of these students have had over 2,000 hours of English.
Considering that English has been the international language of tourism and commerce for I don't know how many decades now, and there are I don't know how many thousands of English teachers all over the country, why is the general level of English so poor?
What if you were the Minister of Education?
A fun challenge to see if you, as a teacher, could do better.
Could you create the 'perfect' educational environment? In these positions, you'd have the power over some of the issues facing us every day as teachers, but not all. Some problems can only be addressed higher up the chain, at the ministry level.
Archaic ideas are holding the students back!
Postbox letter from Keith
I have been working in Thailand for two years now, and with regret I have decided to bid farewell to a country that I adore.
Times are changing.
Postbox letter from Steve Bangkok
There's a whole new world of opportunity out there for the jaded TEFLer
Some teachers and schools DO care!
Postbox letter from James
While there is always time for fun and games, teaching anywhere, including Thailand, should certainly not be a "non-stop party" and by suggesting otherwise it trivialises the whole role of education
The social graduate
There is much to appreciate about what goes on at a Thai school
In Taiwan and Japan, they are just fanatical about studying and in the West, we're almost at the point where we've given up caring. Thailand seems to have a nice balance... the parents, teachers and the government care and are involved but they aren't crazy-ape-shit bonkers about it!
