Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

As the new Thai academic year approaches, we teachers are starting to ponder; how can I make this school year memorable? How can I adjust my teaching approach? How will I handle my ‘trouble’ class differently if I end with a similar type of class? All very legit questions to think about. But, I also believe we have to consider some very important factors first.

Of paramount, we have to acknowledge that we are foreigners, therefore, students will automatically look at us differently. Some may be hesitant (at first) to show their true colors, while others ‘know’ that the foreign teacher tends to approach the classroom less towards a style they are used to in their Thai classrooms (rote learning as a general example) to a more hands-on, practical, ‘don’t worry about mistakes’ approach. This already will divide the class into students with different mindsets: Student A may be reluctant and shy due to not wanting to experiment, make mistakes and lose face. Student B might look forward to a change of pace from what he/she is used to in the Thai classroom. Student C is weak in English but is willing to learn. Student D is weak, and almost has non-existent English skills, thus will be a disruptive factor in the room, yearning for relevance. Student E loves English and wants to strike up deep philosophical conversations with you. Student F is strong in English but takes it as an opportunity to annoy you after every sentence you speak, just because his English skills are strong enough. And so on.

So, what I think is vital in those first few classes with your students is to establish a safe learning environment. Even if you have a ‘strong’ or ‘weak’ class, there will always be strong students in the weak class and weak students in the strong class. Make it a stern point that there will be no mocking of each other and that everyone can and will learn from each other. One must be prepared to pay equal attention to both sets of students in the class, thus one may have to teach the lesson ‘twice’. No student gets left behind in my class.

I also agree with many that the tone, in the beginning, tends to be serious, so to avoid classroom management behavior problems in the future. It is easier to bring order back when some semblance of seriousness has been established in the beginning, than not. Students will know of that side of you, rather than be confused as to why all of a sudden, the teacher is strict for the first time after a few months.

At the same time, we should also understand what the students think of their classes with the foreign teacher (usually English, but any other subject as well). It is a break from the Thai class, which is usually a strict, orderly experience. Class with a foreign teacher, English in particular, is a break from that. Self-expression is usually encouraged. Some take advantage of this, while others abuse it. Again, it comes down to the precedent you set in the beginning of the class. If you are fair with your students, show respect to them, and demand everyone respect each other (treat others how you want to be treated), then all should bode well for the year.

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Blog by Collen

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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.