Teachers playing games in class

Is it a case of too much monkeying around?

Games can reinforce what has been taught earlier in a lesson and can be used as a filler or as a reward for good work. But to expect foreign English teachers to spend the majority of their time entertaining students, especially adults, is, to me, just not right.


On having an English room

The advantage of having your own classroom space

I consider my classroom to be an extension of my house. After lunch, I can lock the door and take a little nap. Or I can watch my favorite movies and news broadcasts from The Philippiness. It's so different from the days of old when I didn't have a room and I had to bear the heat and noise of the library or the clinic or other 'makeshift classrooms'.


Learn all your students' names?

Surely you can't be serious.

It's never been my intention to become best friends with any of my students but I truly believe that a good relationship and strong rapport with students is absolutely vital in order to begin being an effective teacher. If I ever expect to receive the respect of my students (which is all the time) then the obvious thing for me to do is give respect to them as early as possible.


Ten reasons why I love my job and my life in Thailand

Thought you would enjoy reading something positive

Life offers many twists and opportunities to those with an open mind; and after an amicable divorce from my wife and selling my house and possessions, I hit the road with a small backpack for company. After three years on the road I stumbled into Thailand.


To use Thai or not to use Thai?

Why learning Thai has helped me so much in the classroom

My philosophy on spoken communication has always been that perfect grammar, extensive vocabulary and intimate knowledge of tenses are all totally worthless if the listener cannot understand the words that are coming out of your mouth.


More English camps

Possibly the final instalment of my summer camp trilogy

As the semester at my Mathayom-level government school came to a close, the students in the Mini English Program (MEP) got the chance to go to two different camps, one in Cha Am beach near Hua Hin, and the other in Green Beach, also near Hua Hin.


The hour of need

Postbox letter from Frank Steel

A change of subject from the usual problems of bureaucracy in Thailand. This last weekend the Philippines have experienced one of the most powerful cyclones the world has seen and experienced. Yet on trying to discuss this in an English class with Thai students, it's like hitting your head against a brick wall, it seems not one of them were aware of what has happened.


Pronunciation issues of Thai learners

Postbox letter from WAG

I’m predominantly focusing on the non pronunciation of “s” when it’s in the final position (ending of the word), I’m fully aware this is an issue at all levels of learners & speakers, however, I’m only concerned with primary age learners.


A fruitful visit

When English club students and international school students meet

The purpose of the trip was to give my English Club members an opportunity to experience learning being in an English environment so that they could get inspiration to like English more.


Baby steps and spontaneity

An ode to a semester in the books

One thing I will say for any aspiring teachers who are even mildly contemplating the idea of hopping over the pond to teach is this: Give it a shot! I for one am 25 years old and despite being here for seven months, am still wildly unsure of what I want to do for a career.


Showing 10 tagged items out of 152 total Page 5 of 16



Featured Jobs

NES Teachers for Young Learners

฿47,500+ / month

Nakhon Ratchasima


South African Online English Teacher (Kids/Adults)

฿254+ / hour

Online


TEFL Teacher (Cover Position)

฿57,500+ / month

Bangkok


Filipino Human Resources Assistant

฿25,000+ / month

Bangkok


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Bangkok


English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


Featured Teachers

  • Mark


    British, 63 years old. Currently living in Sweden

  • Ana


    Portuguese, 50 years old. Currently living in United Kingdom

  • Cormac


    Irish, 35 years old. Currently living in United Kingdom

  • Denzel


    Filipino, 29 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Michael


    American, 37 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Alyssa


    Filipino, 24 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!