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.
Is the education up to scratch in Thailand?
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
After teaching in many government schools as well as private schools and universities all over the world and here in Thailand it is abundantly clear to anyone with a shred of grey matter that Thailand is one of the worst countries for education standards
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.
Thailand vs China?
Which country comes out on top for a TEFLer?
I taught English in China for 9 years. Every day I remember something bad that happened to me on a regular basis in China that never happens to me in Thailand. Here is my opinion of the two countries if you put them up against each other - from the point of view of an English teacher of course.
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.”
21st century education
A new and exciting approach to teaching
There has been much debate about exactly what a 21st century education should look like with academics producing long-winded articles packed full with migraine-inducing jargon... but not a lot of change has actually taken place in the classroom.
