Job Discussion Forums

[Silent Shadow]

Hello,

After six years of English teaching in China, I feel a change of environment is needed, so if all goes to plan I should be arriving in the land of smiles for my next assignment.

I've heard a lot about the laid-back, smiling Thai people. How does this translate in the classroom, though? I know there must be variation when you factor in different regions, ages and quality of curriculum and so forth. Although I do use humour in a natural way in my lessons I generally run a pretty tight ship; regular attendance, consistently good punctuality, and no talking when myself or another student is addressing the class. I also expect lively participation from my students, and more than a reasonable effort to learn and improve. In China, I always spend a lot of the first lesson laying down the ground rules, but even there, some initially felt a bit of trepidation.

Of course situations vary, but I would like to know how teachers with similar approaches as myself have fared with Thai students. From what I've heard I would perhaps need to veer more sharply to the entertainer side. I do intend to make the classes stimulating, challenging and enjoyable, with a reasonable amount of humour thrown into the mix.

How fare thee fellow teachers? Any experiences from elementary up to college/ university age would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Silent Shadow]

*bump*

[frankly speaking]

MOD EDIT

To briefly answer your question, a lot depends on what type of school that you are working for. Thai students are often lazy and need a lot of coaxing to participate. I don't see how effective it will be to make rules that force them to participate. The more rules that you have the more rules get broken and thus you loose your respect.

Don't worry too much and just enjoy what you get from your experience. It will be a little adjustment. I have taught in America, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. I cannot run my classroom the same in any of those countries. There are things that work and things that don't. You will figure them out as you go.

[roguegrafix]

It all depends where you are. In primary and high schools I would think it would be nearly impossible to enforce rules. I teach at a university WITH the backing of the Faculty. Therefore I am God in the class. I do the same as you. This semester I even got my students to sign a declaration that they had read and understood the classroom rules (I know, it's extreme). Then when someone breaks the rules, they have no come back. I am lucky that the Faculty backs me up. I've failed many students for plaguarism and the university has backed me up on every single occassion. But other faculties do not. Then, you're only losing face and making yourself look stupid.

The classes you describe sound suitable and reasonable for a university level. Below that, I'm not sure.

[Silent Shadow]

Thanks!

Franky speaking

Four different approaches in four different countries? I'm impressed with your adaptability. A very important quality for a good teacher. I know I will have to adapt if I want to teach effectively; I just hope I have what it takes to do that. Lazy students? I heard that's quite common in Thailand. That's why I'm researching, as there's nothing I hate worse than lazy students.

MOD EDIT

Roguegrafix

You sound like you have a similar approach to myself. It's encouraging to hear that someone has managed to succeed in Thailand with that approach. Good for you for coming down hard on plagiarism! You're correct, the department leaders in the college I've been working at in China for the last three years were supportive, and indeed appreciated my methods. Naturally, I will be looking for a similar attitude from management in Thailand. I don't assume that kind of school will be easy to find, though, but I will try. Yes, I will be sure to tone it down for students under college age.

I appreciate you both taking the time to post. Your information has been very helpful.