Don't ask me
Postbox letter from Neil
In a previous position at a large government high school I was required to instruct my senior students in the art of expressing their opinions in English. Great idea!! One problem - these students had NEVER been encouraged to express any form of opinion in their native language and had no concept of critically appraising any statement made by their teacher.
Don't be discouraged
Postbox letter from Jonathan
The problems of Thai education system are far from simple and the problems of learning English are not free from serious issues. You may talk about the no fail policy, however I feel that is just one part of the bigger picture. Until the Thais get round the idea that they really do need help from westerners not much progress will be made.
An excellent summary
Postbox letter from James
I didn’t initially come to Thailand to be a slave labourer either; to be abused, overworked, cheated and blamed for all its ills. I’d rather be judged on the quality of the work I do than forever blamed for the systemic failures that I can’t change.
Enough of the silly rules
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I believe that every child should be afforded the same educational standards regardless but how is that possible when the ministry of education will not help visiting teachers (as I hate the word foreigner) from other native speaking countries who are here to try and help their children attain a higher level of self consciousness and awareness to better themselves and to educate the next generation for Thailand.
Kudos to the system
Postbox letter from Dave
Do you have difficulty in understanding the requirements to be a teacher? How are they inconsistent with the need to change and the goals of improving the education system?
The Thai education system
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana admits that the Thai education system is unsatisfactory and behind other countries in the ASEAN region. To tackle the problem, the ministry has drawn up some measures to restructure the system.
The school that once was
Postbox letter from Mr. Greenberg
A well regarded school, a school with a beautifully rich history, is now perceived as something else. Asked about the school’s services, a Thai faculty member, who asked not to be named said, “most of what is happening now is all for show.”
Back to reality
The new school term starts - and not without problems
Much of this blog may sound negative (and to some extent, it is), but in all honestly, it's par for the course. I love Thailand, and generally speaking, I love teaching in my Thai school. Even so, there are little things that crop up all of the time, and you just have to take them in your stride.
The real deal
Postbox letter from Juan de la Cruz
English cannot be learned in school alone. Even if you're the most effective English teacher in the whole world, a student will only learn English to full extent if he/she uses it outside of the classroom.
Don't get lost in your role
Postbox letter from Brian
Those who are in Asia teaching English need to understand this simple reality: English teaching is a superficial industry. English language aptitude is simply social and economic capital in Asia. Is this not stating the obvious?
