Materials

[KhunLing]

As mentioned in another thread, I'll be coming back soon to Thailand and looking to teach.

To date, all of my teaching experience has been with adult migrants in Australia and private students (Predominantly Thai Uni students).

Obviously, both of these are different experiences to teaching a class full of kids / adults in Thailand.

I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide a 'run down' on what sort of materials I should buy / bring with me when I come back.

Also, what's normally the situation with curriculum's?

In the Thai public school system...are ajarns normally given a curriculum to follow and materials to go with it? Or, is it more a case of "design your own and go find some materials!"

What about at private language centers? I presume they have structured courses and materials for teachers to use?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Thaiboxer]

If you're teaching high school kids, all you'll need is the following: a pack of large garbage bags, a roll of duct tape and a shovel. Your imagination will tell you what to do with these materials

Seriously, what materials are provided and what type of curriculum you will follow can vary greatly from school to school. I once worked for a government school which basically provided no material and required that I formulate all the material/topics on my own. This has it's advantages of course but it can also be a problem when the management doesn't agree on what you should teach, how your lesson plans should be arranged, etc.

On the other hand, I worked for a private school that had a distinct curriculum along with books for each subject (I taught English, Math, Science and Health). There was no debate over what was to be taught and all you had to do was break the sections of each book down into individual lessons plus come up with additional activities as needed.

Private language centers usually have their own programs; some good and some bad. Many people really enjoy teaching at private language centers as it allows for smaller, more relaxed classes and often more convenient hours.

[Spit the Dog]

If your working for a good school they might provide you with a red and a black whiteboard marker. Apart from that don't expect much else.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't rely on the schools for materials. Best to bring what you feel is required, and if the school supply the materials then use the schools and keeps yours for another day.

[robitusson]

As mentioned in another thread, I'll be coming back soon to Thailand and looking to teach.

To date, all of my teaching experience has been with adult migrants in Australia and private students (Predominantly Thai Uni students).

Obviously, both of these are different experiences to teaching a class full of kids / adults in Thailand.

I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide a 'run down' on what sort of materials I should buy / bring with me when I come back.

Also, what's normally the situation with curriculum's?

In the Thai public school system...are ajarns normally given a curriculum to follow and materials to go with it? Or, is it more a case of "design your own and go find some materials!"

What about at private language centers? I presume they have structured courses and materials for teachers to use?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

One thing which I find invaluable is my English grammar book. The one I've got is called Basic English Usage by Michael Swan. It gives every grammatical function and use and explains when and how they're used. Apart from that I get loads of games and resources on the internet. bogglesworld, onestopenglish, awesomeclipartforkids, eslcity are some good websites.

[PeaceBlondie]

Unless you've got room on your luggage allotment, don't bring too many books. The paperback Swan book is enough for all the grammar you'll ever teach in Thailand. You probably aren't coming here to teach grammar; you just need to know it in an emergency.

A packet of dustless chalk is great for bribing Thai teachers. They've never even seen it. And yes, some Thai schools have 1979-era black chalkboards.

If you're a big breasted female, bring 7 bras. If you're a wide-hung man, bring large condoms.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

If you're a big breasted female, bring 7 bras.

Why 7 bras? That seems like a pretty specific number. Is it a different coloured one for each day of the week?

[PeaceBlondie]

Having been married to a 38C-to-40D woman for many years, I assure you that bras wear out, they're in the wash, etc., and you can't replace them easily, even in Bangkok.

Seven was a number I just picked out of the air. It was like.....oh, never mind.

Back on topic: I don't think a teacher evenn needs to bring their favorite dictionary. You can get a decent one (British, no less) at DK Book Stores.

[KhunLing]

Thanks fella's...I appreciate the responses.

I'll try and prepare myself as best possible.

Things seem to vary wildly from school to school!

PB...I am a happily married man, so I'll need neither the bras nor the condoms

[kenkannif]

If your working for a good school they might provide you with a red and a black whiteboard marker.

I thought red was a 'bad' colour to use mate?

[PeaceBlondie]

I heard that using red ink to write a person's name was almost like a death curse.

[Spit the Dog]

If your working for a good school they might provide you with a red and a black whiteboard marker.

I thought red was a 'bad' colour to use mate?

Can't say that I've ever heard of that one, squire.

[Sunderland]

If your working for a good school they might provide you with a red and a black whiteboard marker.

I thought red was a 'bad' colour to use mate?

Can't say that I've ever heard of that one, squire.

You should all be thankful for red ink, we have to underline with blood ...

[kenkannif]

I heard that using red ink to write a person's name was almost like a death curse.

Yep what I heard was similar.....a massive big no no!

[mbkudu]

I heard that using red ink to write a person's name was almost like a death curse.

Yep what I heard was similar.....a massive big no no!

I have heard the same in Thailand. I believe it has a Chinese origin. Seriously, would you sign your own name in the west with red ink on any kind of document or check? Makes sense not to I'd say.