Hi,

My step daughter is in her final year at CMU and an English major. She's being told by her adjarns that her writing and speaking skills are poor and she may not pass some of her courses. She's really discouraged. I don't know if the reason is due to her studying, or lack thereof, or the curriculum. I'm away from home for long periods, but when I help her with her homework, it seems a bit archaic and unduly difficult. My Daughter spoke Thai exclusively till she started at CMU and still hangs out with only Thai speaking friends. She told me all her adjarns are Thai as well.

Can anyone recommend a program, study group, etc, that helps Thai kids improve their skills. I think if she could get together with a group of committed Thai students, something like a study group, that would be perfect. Her problem is that she's not practicing outside of school.

Any advice appreciated.

I would think that if you wish for her to learn to speak English that it be best for her to learn from native English speaking students/graduates. There are many that I have noticed. Is she really interested in learning because her choosing to associate with Thai speaking only friends would indicate otherwise.

At the American Corner at the library at CMU there are many English speakers interested in American culture. Perhaps she can find a group there.

Edited October 9, 201114 yr by venturalaw

JXXXL,

I sent you a PM regarding this.

MSPain

Thanks for the suggestions guys, will definitely be looking into these.

I may be able to help - I too have sent you a message on this.

Archaic and unduly difficult? 'Bombardier' was a vocab item I saw recently. And an article on exoplanets as a comprehension exercise.

Best of luck!

So many of the Thai-born "English" teachers can't speak English, so It doesn't really work out very well.

I am very surprised to hear your daughter say that she has no farang Ajarns. With English as her major, she should have one of the many farang Ajarns there with at least a Master's degree. And a new one each term or year,

I taught at CMU for a few years, and all of my students majored in English.