Why do Thai students in public school never ask the teacher questions?

[Robert_Smith]

3 minutes ago, Stocky said:

There's far more to life that sitting in Starbucks watching your portfolio depreciate.

....I'd rather be sat in a Starbucks, drinking my caramel macchiato in safety, watching my crypto go through the roof and having a chinwag with the other suits, than be living in the middle of a war zone earning less than a grand a month... 

 

Thanks, but no friggin thanks!

 

bob.

[spidermike007]

From what I understand the teachers have very little tolerance of being questioned, which would point toward very low self-esteem and very little faith in their own level of knowledge. I read a study a few years back where they gave Math teachers at the high school the same test that the students get at the end of the term, and there was an 87% failure rate amongst the teachers! 

 

Curiosity is one of the greatest human qualities and it not only advances the mind, but a young person can learn so much with a healthy state of curiosity, that state of mind seems to be stifled here at every turn and it feels as if the elite and this spectacularly toxic government discourage curiosity. When I was in school curiosity was encouraged, and questioning the teacher was encouraged. 

 

It only leads to bad things, curiosity leads to knowledge, curiosity leads to questioning the status quo, curiosity leads to advancing the mind, and a greater level of intelligence. All things that the elites and the educational system here do their level best to prevent from happening. 

[poyai111]

5 hours ago, BerndD said:

The reason for this is that the teachers do not know any answers. Therefore, questions are not allowed.

As a consequence, if the teacher does not know the answer to an unlikely question then there is a loss of face issue thus demeaning the teacher in the eyes of the students. This incident is entirely culturally offensive and is to be avoided at all costs. Solution? The teacher should avoid consequential retaliation in the form of ridicule or sarcasm etc but should encourage the curiosity of the student by admitting that the answer does not come readily to mind but an attempt will be made to provide the information during the next lesson

[Robert_Smith]

4 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

From what I understand the teachers have very little tolerance of being questioned, which would point toward very low self-esteem and very little faith in their own level of knowledge. I read a study a few years back where they gave Math teachers at the high school the same test that the students get at the end of the term, and there was an 87% failure rate amongst the teachers! 

 

Curiosity is one of the greatest human qualities and it not only advances the mind, but a young person can learn so much with a healthy state of curiosity, that state of mind seems to be stifled here at every turn and it feels as if the elite and this spectacularly toxic government discourage curiosity. When I was in school curiosity was encouraged, and questioning the teacher was encouraged. 

 

It only leads to bad things, curiosity leads to knowledge, curiosity leads to questioning the status quo, curiosity leads to advancing the mind, and a greater level of intelligence. All things that the elites and the educational system here do their level best to prevent from happening. 

Can't agree more.

 

The elites don't want progress.

 

They only want obedience and compliance.

 

regards,

bob.

[richard_smith237]

6 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

6 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Because the education system doesn't teach/encourage them to question authority and to speak up in the classroom. 

And why do you think this would this be the case?

 

And why is it not the same in international schools?

 

I think this is one of those facets of Thailand that can be dumbed down and simplified as - the state schools are rubbish for the obvious reasons - Money !!...   and that impacts the students.

 

In greater detail: The disparity between Thai state schools and International schools comes down to several key factors, including funding, curriculum, teacher quality, class sizes, and management styles - many of the issues / differences can be easily summarised.... 

 

Funding & Resources

Limited Budget: That state / government schools rely on government funding, which is often stretched thin, leading to outdated textbooks, poor facilities, and low teacher salaries.

International Schools Charge High Fees: International schools charge high tuition fees (often 300,000–1,000,000+ THB per year), allowing them to invest in modern facilities, technology, and well-paid teachers.

 

Teacher Quality & Salaries

Low Salaries in State Schools: Thai public school teachers earn much lower salaries than teachers in international schools. This affects motivation and leads to high teacher turnover.

International Schools Attract the Best Teachers: With better pay and benefits, international schools hire highly qualified teachers, both foreign and Thai. Many teachers in public schools lack English proficiency, while international school teachers are often native speakers or well-trained bilingual educators.

 

Curriculum & Teaching Methods

Rote Learning in Thai Schools: The traditional Thai education system still relies heavily on rote memorisation rather than critical thinking and creativity.

Modern Approaches in International Schools: International schools use Western curriculums (IB, British, American, etc.), focusing on problem-solving, discussions, and project-based learning.

 

Class Sizes

Overcrowding in Public Schools: Many state schools have 40–50+ students per class, making individual attention difficult.

Smaller Classes in International Schools: International schools typically have 10–20 students per class, allowing for more personalised learning.

 

Bureaucracy & Corruption

Government Red Tape: Thai public schools are controlled by the Ministry of Education, which is known for slow reforms, inefficiency, and excessive bureaucracy.

Corruption & Mismanagement: There are cases where education budgets are misallocated or do not reach schools effectively.

 

Parental Involvement & Student Demographics

Public School Students Often Come from Low-Income Families: Many Thai state school students lack support at home due to financial struggles or lack of parental education.

International Schools Have Privileged Students: Students at international schools usually come from wealthy families who provide extra tutoring, books, and global exposure, giving them an additional advantage.

 

English Proficiency & Global Exposure

Weak English Programmes in Thai Schools: Many Thai government schools struggle to provide strong English-language education, while international schools focus on fluent English instruction from a young age.

International Schools Offer More Global Opportunities: Students in international schools are often exposed to exchange programmes, overseas trips, and a diverse mix of cultures.

 

 

For these reasons Thailands growing middle classes are fighting tooth and nail to avoid placing their children in Government schools and sending their children to the best International School they can afford.

 

There are a couple of 'other' Government Schools that do have a decent reputation, but again, corruption is involved...  Triam udom suksa school is a well known top-tier government school that has an extremely high application rate...  about 10,000 students sit the exam every year for limited places....   But, this school is still nowhere near the standards of the International Schools but is a good pathway to Universities such as Chula and Thammasat.

 

 

So....  To answer Bobs question: why do Thai students (in Thai schools) not speak - Answer: because they are trained 'not to'.... 

[richard_smith237]

Its almost an opposing approach between Government Schools and International Schools... 

 

 

- One is rigidity and conformity, no questions, rote learning.

 

- One is openness, values and encourages open curiosity and individualism, encourages questions.

 

 

 

The irony is that the State system has the blue-print for a better education at their fingertips - the obvious answer is they don't care enough...  just going through the motions, as many state enterprises all over the world do.

[ChrisKC]

Plenty of teaching and not much learning!

 

The teaching in Thailand is to blame not the students!

 

I have been here long enough to realise that it wont change soon.

 

Must preserve "Thainess"

[Robert_Smith]

5 minutes ago, ChrisKC said:

Must preserve "Thainess"

....must get rid of it more like!

 

regards,

bob.

[pomchop]

1 hour ago, thaipo7 said:

Ask a question and lose face by looking stupid.  Thai thing.

not just a Thai thing...kids all over the world are often afraid of being the "nail that sticks up" as there are nearly always some other class clown bullly type kids looking to hammer them down....you can be called a teacher suck up butt licker or worse...usually the really stupid ones are the ones who do the finger pointing...the ones that ask the questions are the ones who are prone to learn and generally be more succesful as they grow...especially if they are curious and not afraid to ask a question to learn....

[ChrisKC]

9 minutes ago, Robert_Smith said:

....must get rid of it more like!

 

regards,

bob.

Absolutism is never the way - culture compromise much better! Preserving Thainess is not my idea - it is the Government that thinks Thailand is the only place in the world.

[simon43]

[quote]

...

As somebody said above in Asia teachers should not be questioned, if they don't know the answer they will look stupid and they will loose face

...

[/quote]

 

One of the first things that I tell new students is that I don't know every thing about Science but I know where to find the answer...

 

Anyway, as a space scientist, many times the (current) and correct answer to a student's question about something in space is 'We don't know!"

 

Bob, I can't hear any bullets right now because I'm on a 'Lazada run' to Pattaya. Lazada don't deliver to Myanmar addresses and anything that I've ordered from Aliexpress for myself/the school has never arrived and no refunds!  So every few months I order various bits from both websites, then fly over to my cosy condo at Jomtien Beach to pick up the parcels.

 

Here are some of the things that I'm waiting on delivery:

 

 

 

 

(Not sure on that last item, I might find some use for it 🙂

[Muhendis]

7 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

he is forever complaining that the students never ask him any questions.

That's not what I heard.

A history teacher friend of mine is always answering questions in class.

 

[PuiPuiHarry]

Not only at school.

I attended a 20 years or so ago a lecture about bipo certification of foods according EU regulations.

At the end the person, who did the explantations asked if there were any questions. ZERO.

So, he asked some questions the the attenders, and.. some even did not understand English; were only sent as a reward for their work/services.

[sqwakvfr]

6 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Because the education system doesn't teach/encourage them to question authority and to speak up in the classroom. 

Sounds like S. Korea about 50  years ago.  Teachers were like God.  Teachers were never wrong and asking questions by a student was a form of disrespect.  No actual learning was accomplished.  Instead just memorizing what was presented in class and then passed onto the the next grade.  In essence producing a generation of human drones who neeced to be steered.  Eventually Thailand will realize this as well and changes will happen slowly.  

[phetphet]

7 hours ago, BerndD said:

The reason for this is that the teachers do not know any answers. Therefore, questions are not allowed.

Funny, but probably not far from the truth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerzwYylw4E

[black tabby12345]

I have heard something about it many years ago.

That attitude is deeply imbedded with their culture; way of their thinking.

 

They often believe that   questioning "superior" people is Impolite/Rude.

In this context, teachers are well above students, in Thai definition.

 

Asking question  felt like that person didn't give them sufficient information.

In other words, they feel as shaming him/her  for  "inadequacy " in public(in front of dozens of   boys/girls).

 

Apart from this topic, humiliating(causing loss of face to others) an adult in front of others, is known  strictly No-No, in this kingdom.

 

 

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

[quote]

...

As somebody said above in Asia teachers should not be questioned, if they don't know the answer they will look stupid and they will loose face

...

[/quote]

 

One of the first things that I tell new students is that I don't know every thing about Science but I know where to find the answer...

 

Anyway, as a space scientist, many times the (current) and correct answer to a student's question about something in space is 'We don't know!"

 

Bob, I can't hear any bullets right now because I'm on a 'Lazada run' to Pattaya. Lazada don't deliver to Myanmar addresses and anything that I've ordered from Aliexpress for myself/the school has never arrived and no refunds!  So every few months I order various bits from both websites, then fly over to my cosy condo at Jomtien Beach to pick up the parcels.

 

Here are some of the things that I'm waiting on delivery:

 

 

 

 

(Not sure on that last item, I might find some use for it 🙂

I would love to see all politicians required to wear the last one. All the time. 

[Surasak]

7 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

How awful it must be, as a western educated individual, to be a teacher in a Thai school, knowing what we know - yet powerless to implement anything..

 

regards,

bob.

With all your 'supposed knowledge', why are you not teaching in a Thai school? Perhaps then you could re-educate the Thai Teachers? Just imagine the difference that would make?

[Robert_Smith]

3 minutes ago, Surasak said:

With all your 'supposed knowledge', why are you not teaching in a Thai school? Perhaps then you could re-educate the Thai Teachers? Just imagine the difference that would make?

It would make no difference whatsoever.

 

In fact I think I would be sacked on the first day for pointing out all their faults!

 

regards,

bob.

[Surasak]

3 hours ago, JulesMad said:

 Yes, I have many thoughts 😎

[Purdey]

A young student who lived next door told me her teacher often confused her. I told her to ask questions. 

She told me later the teacher went bonkers, screaming, "Why are you so stupid? Everyone else knows except you!" 

After class her classmates told her they had no clue either but were too afraid to ask questions.

[biggles45]

12 hours ago, 1FinickyOne said:

they don't question elders either

 Or superiors at work. The guy who really knows how things work, and all the reasons why the latest idea from management won't work, just keeps quiet. 

[ujayujay]

Asking a question is considered a weakness in Thailand, because Thais know everything better anyway

[Keep Right]

I think the reason is that many Thai students already know the answer and there is no need to ask questions. In American, many students are too busy protesting Israels response to the Hamas terrorists invading its country and taking hostages and therefore they miss class and their studies.

[couchpotato]

5 minutes ago, Keep Right said:

I think the reason is that many Thai students already know the answer and there is no need to ask questions. In American, many students are too busy protesting Israels response to the Hamas terrorists invading its country and taking hostages and therefore they miss class and their studies.

Haha..rubbish

[simon43]

16 hours ago, Robert_Smith said:

....I'd rather be sat in a Starbucks, drinking my caramel macchiato in safety, watching my crypto go through the roof and having a chinwag with the other suits, than be living in the middle of a war zone earning less than a grand a month... 

 

Thanks, but no friggin thanks!

 

bob.

If your comment about living in the middle of a war zone earning less than a grand (USD) per month refers to my teaching in Myanmar, I think you are a little confused about my income.  Last month I earned about $4,000 from teaching in-class and online, and it will rise to about $5,000 a month when my UK pension money starts in June.  By the way, that is 'normal' income, not some danger money 🙂

 

Apart from the occasional bomb/shooting in the city, the regular fighting is at least 13km away....

[GammaGlobulin]

Why?

 

Is it because the students know that the teachers are just too dumb or disinterested to be able to reply logically?

 

Or, is it because nobody cares about academics?

 

Or, is it because everyone has SEX on the brain?

 

Or, is it because they have not had a decent breakfast?

 

Or, is it because the students fear that the teacher might think them ...UPPITY?

 

Or, do students receive negative reinforcement for asking questions, every time?

 

Or, is it because some students realize that some questions might not be appreciated....such as....

 

 

[LittleBear57]

I taught the solar system to P4 kids in English. I decided to do everything to scale. Sun was bigger than a basketball which we stuck to the board nearest the window and Neptune ended up outside the door. They were shocked how small the planets actually were. I was asked by one lad why I hadn't put the asteroid belt up. So I explained that they are so far apart from each other and so small, that NASA don't even take them into consideration when sending probes to Jupiter and beyond.

Then blew the ones listening away after asking where they thought the nearest star might be in this scale. Beyond Bangkok. Nice to get some reaction, but science is always best for that.

They are generally discouraged from  asking questions as often the teachers can't answer, so lose face, and that can't happen.