What is an Intensive English Programme?

[MartinL]

My grandson is enrolled in the Intensive English Programme at his small-town school in Udon Thani province, 200+ km from us. He's 10 and has been on the programme for about 4 years. His English is almost non-existent as far as I can tell although maybe he's just not confident - I hope that's the case. He seems to be no further along than 'How are you? - I'm fine, thank you' and some obviously scripted conversations that we've seen in videos. His grades in most subjects are good - high 3s - but poor in English.

 

I remember a long time back, when I was 10 and l had been learning French for about a year, I was shy to use the language, so I understand that aspect of it but I could at least make simple and spontaneous replies to questions from my teachers. He can't do this when I ask him very simple questions.

 

My question for those 'in the know' is this; What is an IEP? Is there any official definition/curriculum for these courses or is it just a designation used by the school for 'prestige'? What level of English should I expect, as a concerned grandad, at his age? 

 

My own interpretation of 'IEP' would be a course that concentrates on teaching in English but, while that might be the case in Big City schools, I'd guess it's different in schools of his type. I can get no information from his parents about the course content - I'm not sure they've actually asked about it at the school - and am left wondering whether or not he's wasting his time and his parents money on IEP. 

[luicks]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2002315/intensive-push-to-lift-english-proficiency 

It's a program in which students get more English lessons per week than regular students. The goal is that students reach B2 level of CEFR which is a joke because most English teachers (Thai) at secondary schools don't reach that level themselves.

[luicks]

The Ministry (of Education) had in 2015 tested all civil servant English teachers in a CEFR-referenced online placement test, where 94% had failed to reach the targeted proficiency level of B2.

Source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0033688217738816?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.2

[youreavinalaff]

On 11/9/2024 at 1:12 AM, MartinL said:

My grandson is enrolled in the Intensive English Programme at his small-town school in Udon Thani province, 200+ km from us. He's 10 and has been on the programme for about 4 years. His English is almost non-existent as far as I can tell although maybe he's just not confident - I hope that's the case. He seems to be no further along than 'How are you? - I'm fine, thank you' and some obviously scripted conversations that we've seen in videos. His grades in most subjects are good - high 3s - but poor in English.

 

I remember a long time back, when I was 10 and l had been learning French for about a year, I was shy to use the language, so I understand that aspect of it but I could at least make simple and spontaneous replies to questions from my teachers. He can't do this when I ask him very simple questions.

 

My question for those 'in the know' is this; What is an IEP? Is there any official definition/curriculum for these courses or is it just a designation used by the school for 'prestige'? What level of English should I expect, as a concerned grandad, at his age? 

 

My own interpretation of 'IEP' would be a course that concentrates on teaching in English but, while that might be the case in Big City schools, I'd guess it's different in schools of his type. I can get no information from his parents about the course content - I'm not sure they've actually asked about it at the school - and am left wondering whether or not he's wasting his time and his parents money on IEP. 

 

Do you live permanently in Thailand?

 

If "Yes", you can help. Generally, the immersion method is considered the best way to learn any language. To be in an environment where that language is being continuously used.

 

Make an arrangement whereby the young lad spends time with you. Weekends maybe. Maybe time during school holidays.

 

Be sure to have your wife/partner involved. Don't allow her to translate when the boy doesn't understand. Be patient.

 

Start with every day phrases. "Time to get up", "What would you like for breakfast?", "Shall we go out?". "Where would you like to go?"

 

I spoke English to our daughter from birth. My wife spoke Thai to her. In the village she would hear Khmer and at school Khmer and Isaan Laos. She is now quad lingual.

 

Generally there is no limit to how many languages a young brain can pick up so don't listen if family say things like "no, he'll get confused". He won't.

 

The classroom is not the best place to "learn" a language. It's OK for "studying" grammar and maybe spelling but the "learn" aspect must be done by doing. You wouldn't expect kids to read a book about swimming and jump in a pool and be proficient at 4 strokes, would you?

 

During my time teaching I've seen many students who struggled to speak English get the opportunity to travel to a native English speaking country. From 6 weeks up to 6 months. Upon return to Thailand the transformation was amazing.

 

Give it a go. If the lad is keen, he will learn.

Edited Tuesday at 08:34 AM by youreavinalaff

[Snackbar]

A way to get ya $ quickly

[khunPer]

In a small town school without native English speaking teacher, the language result might be limited. In a private EP-school with native English speaking teachers – as my daughter attended – the result can be fully bilingual English-Thai.

[Fab5BKK]

Our son, now 15, studied @ private IEP from kindergarten. That plus studying French @ Alliance Francaise.

Result: he speaks fluently 3 languages (English, French, Thai).

 

BTW, it didn’t harm that we speak these languages at home!

[arick]

I can supply him with online English classes by a qualified UK London teacher with 20 years of experience. 

Have you gone to the school and checked how good the English is from the English so-called English teacher.