But what about the racism and ageism?
Postbox letter from Jonathan
I know excellent teachers who because of their skin colour are not allowed in a school because "the parents want a white face" so actually I will amend my previous statement and include all the racist Thai parents out there. The simple question for Thailand should be do you want to learn English or don't you?
Thailand will do just fine
Why Thailand doesn't have to fear the future and the ASEAN community
People claim that Thailand will be 'left behind' in the coming years, but there is no evidence for this assumption. Its economy has grown considerably in recent decades, all the while with relatively low levels of English proficiency.
Thailand, Asean and all that jazz
Postbox letter from Jonathan
Well dear readers I think it is time for another letter in relation to Asean, The Thai Education System and the fact that Thailand (in my opinion) is heading for a huge disaster upon the arrival of the Asean Community and all that it is supposed to bring to Thailand.
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
A job should be for life not just May to September and November to February
Postbox letter from Jonathan
Just a little comment really based around what the Ministry of Education are trying to achieve and the way teachers in the broad stream of education are treated salary wise.I appreciate what the MOE are trying to do but I think their sledgehammer to crack a hazelnut approach is way off the mark.
Cultural respect and being professional
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I was always encouraged to accept other peoples values and to respect their customs and religion as well as many other things. What I find difficult is the fact that no matter how much I accept and try to adapt to Thai ways of thinking it always comes back to the fact that Westerner are not appreciated for the skills we bring to Thailand and Thai attitude changes like the wind changes direction.
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.
Stop this no-fail policy
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I have many students that fail and one particular class I was supposed to teach had never turned up to a class, never took a test or exam and I failed them all. I was told that I could not fail them by the head of year and by the director of the school and that I would have to give them minimal scores.
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.”
