How Much Difference Can A Foreign Teacher Make Here?

[PeaceBlondie]

Sometimes we (including myself) make disparaging comments about the educational system in Thailand, about the entire public system from anuban to university. So, without repeating my own remarks ad nauseum, I'd like to invite answers to questions such as the following:

A. After several years in Thailand, in a stable employment situation, can a well qualified farang teacher have effective input that materially changes the way most students are taught, controlled, and graded?

B. In how many places in Thailand are school directors and owners likely to make changes by suggestions from below, especially if they know the farang wants it?

C. What can foreign parents of students do to improve education in Thailand, that really matters not only for their own children?

[Manchester]

Sometimes we (including myself) make disparaging comments about the educational system in Thailand, about the entire public system from anuban to university. So, without repeating my own remarks ad nauseum, I'd like to invite answers to questions such as the following:

A. After several years in Thailand, in a stable employment situation, can a well qualified farang teacher have effective input that materially changes the way most students are taught, controlled, and graded?

YES. Maybe to only a few ............but the few will matter.

B. In how many places in Thailand are school directors and owners likely to make changes by suggestions from below, especially if they know the farang wants it?

Probably unlikely ( at present )if there is a cost involved

C. What can foreign parents of students do to improve education in Thailand, that really matters not only for their own children?

Not sure. My children ATTENDED a school in Pattaya that came in for a LOT of criticism on the forum. Parents withdrew the children etc. Start of a new term............the school is as full as ever and still has a waiting list.

[Ijustwannateach]

Sometimes we (including myself) make disparaging comments about the educational system in Thailand, about the entire public system from anuban to university. So, without repeating my own remarks ad nauseum, I'd like to invite answers to questions such as the following:

A. After several years in Thailand, in a stable employment situation, can a well qualified farang teacher have effective input that materially changes the way most students are taught, controlled, and graded?

B. In how many places in Thailand are school directors and owners likely to make changes by suggestions from below, especially if they know the farang wants it?

C. What can foreign parents of students do to improve education in Thailand, that really matters not only for their own children?

A. I doubt it- even the most liberal Thai schools basically only give teachers (foreign or Thai) freedom within the 50 points which are on the "passing" side. The college system has been relying less on tests and more on grades, so grade inflation has become epidemic. As a result most schools have also taken bites out of the 50 points above passing, and the margin of points in which a teacher of any sort (foreign or Thai) has any influence has shrunk- to the point where it is almost impossible in some schools not to give students A's, much less to fail them or come near it. This is the problem that the strict testing system in Japan was designed to solve, and I can almost wish it upon the Thais seeing what they're doing to themselves with this Monty Haul system.

In any case, the core of this problem as it manifests in schools is in government policy. The chance that an individual teacher of *any* sort can change it is very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very slim, and even then you're not going to be able to fail anyone.

B. This can happen in some of the better managed schools. Rare, but it happens. Properly indirect communication methods can be very important in maintaining this. The problem in schools of this sort (where foreigners do have influence) is sometimes you get the power-hungry midlife crisis types who want to use management to control or manipulate everyone (frequently they try to do this by being management's little spy-buddy); however, if you give them enough rope they usually hang themselves.

C. The best thing they can do is get the inside information on what's really going on at the school and demand appropriate reform. If there's an incompetent or dangerous teacher, or safety lapses, or funny business with the grades, parents should address the problem with the school management. Parents should do their best to get a clear picture on how students are admitted and where money goes (definitely not easy in Thailand). One important thing I've suggested before is to find out exactly how much schools are *paying* their teachers. If it's 30K for subject teachers (*not* for TEFL classes, in other words), you're getting the bottom of the barrel of qualifications and education no matter what they charge *you*.

"S"

[Thaiboxer]

If you have kids here (we have a son), then try to find them the best school you can afford.

As for us teachers making a difference in the system, I think it's a snowball's chance in hel_l! When I took my first job at a government school, I used to get really worked up about the no fail/no discipline policies, etc but at the end of the day it only gave me more gray hairs. It's one of those situations where you can either go with the flow or beat yourself up about it, but what will be will be. Each teacher has his/her own limitations on how much BS they'll take from a school and that's where you must draw the line. If the school you're at pays you well in proportion to what they expect of you and you're happy there, then just try to enjoy each day and steer clear of the crazy admin.

[Scott]

Thanks PB, excellent subject. I am less pessimistic than some. I think we do make a difference (and most of the time a positive difference). I think the important thing is to pick your battles. To win a war, you sometimes have to lose a few battles.

Grading system: This is, at this point, pretty much a battle not worth pursuing. Basically 50% is failing and everyone should pretty much know this. The grading system and all it's bad points is pretty much a nationwide phenomenon and until the political will is there it won't change. It's a battle you will lose, so not worth fighting.

Discipline: Our Foreign Teachers have been effective in changing a number of points of classroom discipline. Some of the methods we employ work, and they have been eagerly adopted by the Thai staff and administration.

Foreign Parents & Parents in General: Parents have a significant impact on the school. Unfortunately, this isn't always positive. The administration, especially of private schools, pay close attention to what the parents want. There is a push-pull factor and sometimes parents are more conservative and want the traditional practices used.

The most important thing that teachers can do is to do a good job of teaching. A lot of times, it is the least competent teachers that make the most noise (what's the saying, an empty barrel makes the most noise). This doesn't usually add credence to requested changes. Secondly, we can affect curriculum design changes regarding English language and English language programs. A lot of administrators don't have any idea what should be done in these areas and are quite amendable to suggestions. In the end, this means the students will get a more comprehensive approach to the language.

Finally, we have to remember that everywhere, school is a means to impart the culture, mores and social standards of a society. It doesn't take 12 years to impart the knowledge, but it does to help them to become functioning members of the society. In our own countries the same thing happens. Much of the 'bizzare' practices stem from this part of education.

[alaina]

On many things about teaching in Thailand, I'm fairly positive about, but the chances of changing "the system" are pretty low. Most schools are out to make money and education is not necessarily a part of that.

A good relationship with some kids may help prevent some of the xenophobic attitude that seems to swell at times, but the system will stay the same.

As long as the elite can send their kids overseas, they really don't want the Thai system to have something comparable and affordable.