How To Teach And Control Grade Six Students Most Effectively..

[sirchai]

Sawasdee khrap and hello,

I'm teaching English in the northeast now for almost nine years, taught all levels from P.1-M.6.

I'm at my third school now, where I've got 340 grade six students, two hours/week each class. When I'd started at this school, I was on grade four, then followed them to grade five and finally to grade six.

At this time, I still had the opportunity to use a 'sound lab" and taught one hour in class. Very useful, as you can use PowerPoint Slides and the World wide Web) I could manage their behavioral problems easily and most of them loved me like their own daddy. ( I've got family here and watch my 15 year son growing up)

This year's completely different, as they'd Filipinos in grade four and five,where they only played games and other nonsense. Please be aware that this isn't a Filipino bashing post.

I've got many Autistic students, many are really difficult to keep them under control, as they'd the freedom to do whatever they wanted to by their Asian educators.

The one guy wanted them to be loud and naughty, whatever that means is pretty much questionable for all teachers, guardians and educators on this planet.

They're so loud that a microphone is needed to be louder as they are. But I won't change my strategy and find it hard to believe,as I always reach a point where I'd like to walk out.

My Thai colleagues must think that I can't control students, as their way's to beat the <deleted> out of them. Honestly speaking, I was so close to hit a boy last week, when he tried to test my Jay Jenn attitude.

But I'd rather quit my job, than hitting kids. Thais at my school hit them so much that even girls come back the next day wearing a long sleeve shirt that others don't see their wounds.

I know for a fact that changing the the seat order ( a boy next to a girl) would help a lot. That on the other hand seems to be "impossible" and would be against Thai culture and other nonsense.

I've watched some movies made by my son in M3, where none of the kids is listening to their Thai teachers, while a tiny Thai math teacher's trying to give a lesson. Not even one is listening. Most of them are on facebook, some even on porn websites, and the majority are making jokes about their teachers.

I'm fighting with the same problem, as our superiors didn't get my message to put a password on an unsecured wireless network, that enables all to chat, play and do things which are counterproductive to teaching them anything.

The grade six kids last week were much better and their O-net test result was about 29%, who had at least 60 %. This year, at the pre O-net tests, only 17 % passed this mark.

Will post some movies my son had made, it's unbelievable.

Don't lose face, guys and let me know how you're dealing with such an embarrassing environmental bullshit. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.-

[sirchai]

The grade six kids last week were much better and their O-net test result was about 29%, who had at least 60 %. This year, at the pre O-net tests, only 17 % passed this mark.

Sorry, I meant the kids from last year, couldn't edit my post again.-

[culicine]

I have no advice as I would not put up with students and a school managed like that. If possible, find a nice bilingual/EP school. The kids are a bit better behaved, better in english, and much smaller class sizes. There is no real way to control students in a large class when the school doesn't back you up and even work against you when you are strict - 'don't be so serious' kind of attitude you get from admin and that can make your life miserable.

[bundoi]

I work occasionally in village schools and I've never seen anything like that at all. You've probably tried these ideas already:

- get them to leave their phones in a box before class starts

- get a Thai teacher to patrol the class while you teach

- split the class, move some outside or into a different classroom to work on something else (eg written work) while you teach the others

- in large M classes I often have competitions between two groups with one spokesperson per question - boys v girls often works for me as they are usually sitting in gender groups anyway (the girls usually win which helps to shut the boys up).

I have a village P6 class that goes crazy every time I teach them because they've never talked to a farang before - about 50 students - some of them are very bright - I try the group competition with one group per desk - there are about 12 desks of 4 or so students; this might sound hard to believe but in this case it's excitement rather than bad behaviour per se, they really love English and are unbelievably keen.

I find it hard to believe teachers are hitting students in that way; I do have a lively student whose uncle advises me to hit ! but uncle's kind of joking - he doesn't mean hospitalise.

I think it would be a very bad idea to post a video here or anywhere else, though I can definitely understand the temptation!

[Ruin]

You have to get them engaged, involved and having fun. Learning without them actually knowing it.

[onlycw]

Well, we all have difficult classes.

I've found the M6s to be sometimes not bothered (to learn) but usually, they are pretty docile IMHO.

My bad M3 students are more challenging.

There is a 3/11 class where students just walk out at the end of the previous class. sometimes, they will all walk back in th elast 5 minutes of my class. With high energy, fast paced activities and an attempt to engage each and every one, I have kept the select few (maybe 7 out of about 33) happy. Pretty abysmal - and the Thai assistant stopped showing up weeks ago. (And if she's present, she will just sit there and not participate).

Q: Have you ever thrown the worst two or three students out?

I like to make them stand on their chair and raise their arms in the air, as mild punishment. Or make them hop like a rabbit etc. But then, when there is PANDEMONIUM, just getting the noise level down will be tough.

Will you be looking for a new job?

[recom273]

You have lost me there mate .. Grade 6 is M1, P6 or what ?

Theres only 6 or so weeks to the end of term .. just ride it out.

You know the drill, just ignore the post that mentions getting throwing kids out ( you are the teacher, your supposed to teach them in class ) & kids to stand on chairs ?? that gets you one place .. down the road.

Leave their phones in the bags, yeah right, see that flying pig ? .. Get a TT assistant .. Like they are going to do that, unless you already have that option .. High paced energy games … They dont need adrenaline, they need tamazapan.

Are you guys teachers ? or just dreamers.

My idea is that things need to be controlled, doesnt mean to say I always get it, doesnt mean it has to be quiet.

I give the kids 10 mins to show up when I just hang out and use as much English as I can, after that no one enters the class, period.

For the next 10 mins we made a deal in the first term, the phones go away and they give me quiet, all non-Thai teachers request this and lessons dont start until there is silence, no need for shouting, i just wait, one kid will always take the hint. I use the time to get a basic-straight to the point lesson, using the white board as much as possible, using the kids to provide the ideas. I make sure, the lesson is crystal clear to a couple of groups spread around the room. If anyone else is unclear, then I encourage the kids to get up and ask those groups.

The majority get on with pair work and i move directly to the back of the class and help the kids who really havent got a clue.

Then i move along the isles, checking the work as i go .. obviously, by 30 minutes into the lesson, the phones / tablets are coming out, but to be honest, aslong as the lesson objective is being achieved and with 50 kids, I dont notice, so there is no confilct. At that pace, there is 10 minutes left to check attendance, where I learn their Thai names ;D and I try to give the advanced guys a bit of time, while the rest can do as they please or finish off their task ( im not too proud of that, but it works ).

It takes time, it takes a good stable teaching team with similar ideas to obtain good classes ( you said that yourself, but in my case i have 2 good fillipinas who dont teach through games, as collegues ), but my advice would be slow pace, flexible expectations in a controlled environment .. you also know the drill, for kids to settle and work for you, they need to love you. Just find a way to let them.

I dont think you need any advice, I think you are doing all right things without it.

If all else fails you can always get them jogging around the playground in the mid day heat.

Edited January 25, 2014 by recom273

[Scott]

Inflammatory, off-topic posts removed.

[zeichen]

"You have to get them engaged, involved and having fun. Learning without them actually knowing it."

Sounds like propoganda from Edutopia.com

Without actually showing how this is done or some practical things to engage the students might as well blow smoke up in the air.

I would also like to give Kudos to Sirichai for handling this. I think that you are limited and just have to go with the system. Don't get too discouraged we all have difficulties.

The real issue is probably the lack of support but also on the first day you need to start a routine. If the students get into the habit of a certain way, it is very hard to undo it.

Scaffolding your lessons with varying tasks that support the lesson so that all students of different ability can actually achieve something. Also a more student centered approach that allows the students' tangents and interests to be explored, could help a little.

One activity that I do after a reading exercise (25-30 students is best) is put 5 different pieces of paper (large) on tables, break the students into even groups. On the paper write one topic from the reading. Give them about 2-3 minutes to write all they can about that topic in regards to the reading, then rotate them around the room. Each group will add to the collective body of knowledge on that paper. If something is written incorrectly by one group, the next group can alter it. They must only add and not repeat information. After each group has been to every table, then put them on the board and use it is the discussion. Then after 5 minutes or so of discussion, then take out notebooks and have them organize their notes based on everything that was written. If you have a projector and a computer, you can use Word to organize. Again asking them to summarize and simplify the material into well organized notes.

I did this recently with the 4 different short stories that we read. It really helped prepare them for the test. Students often learn better from each other than from a teacher as long as the material is correct.

I would do some sentence relays (oral or written depending on the lesson), especially if they are very active. Get them totally out of their chairs and away from their desks and temptations.

Spend as little time trying to control the behavior and just focus on the material and the projects. I often spend too many times lecturing bad behavior and it distracts from my energy for the lesson.

If you can do a video once in a while that relates to the material. Show the first 2/3rds of it, and then have them break up into groups and create the ending of the show. They will get speaking practice, use logic and reasoning, be active and create a fun environment.

Try to break up your style.

Good luck. And just realize that sometimes nothing you do or anyone does can work. Sometimes the classroom dynamics are just unbalanced and without autonomy or authority you cannot change.

[sirchai]

Thanks a lot guys for your ideas. I've never had such kids with enormous behavioral problems, nor their low level of English in grade six. Unfortunately, there're about four to five kids in each class who're good in English.

The rest can't speak, hardly read and write and I know why it is as it is. My American colleague threw the towel, as she'd to fight with similar problems. Her kids didn't even know the ABC, when she started to teach them in grade 5. ( Prathomsuksa 5)\

As a matter of fact, it's similar to a two edged sword. Once you lose the good students, because the lesson is too easy, you've lost the students and it's time to quit teaching.But how can you use simple science and math, implant it into the English lesson, if they can't do simple math in their own language?

Had one assignment, how many hours are there in one year? Some had a five, some a six digit number....I've also got one of the brightest students, she'd 98 answers out of 100 right in her pre O-net test. My 40 question midterm test was done by her in two minutes, without a mistake. That leaves hope..........

Their "educator" in grade four only played games with them, they had to yell "Oh Yesss" about 2,000 times and other freaking nonsense.Same guy said that in a meeting that he wants naughty and noisy kids, if they talk, then in English. Gotta love his stupidity and incompetence.

Yelling kids was the norm, that Thai teachers who taught next to him, couldn't understand their own word...

Then the woman from the islands in grade five. When the kids were loud, she just walked out.Complete loss of face for the teachaa. Kids made with her what they wanted.

I was trying almost all. Made classroom rules in English and Thai, Some of the superiors really appreciated my idea and put their names underneath. But did these rules come into classrooms on posters? Guess you might know the answer.

It's not that all classes are bad behaved. A few are always listening and they're way ahead of those who don't listen. Please, no "advice" to let them stand on chairs, I've met guys who let them bow down, being on their knees for 30 minutes.

Can't be THE way to deal with problems, as they'll start to hate the educator doing so.Thought I could use the same material/ worksheets I'd used the year before, no way. So I had to make a new workbook with all worksheets, trying to cover all given Thai curricular activities.

Telling them that you'd need a Thai assistant would just let them know that you can't deal with kids. Will find my way, even if it seems to be difficult.

Have a Thai "assistant" from Rajabhat in a few lessons, who'll become a teacher in May. All he does is that he sits next to, usually a girl and he's got a chat with the kids. Would he even realize that it's too loud and say something? Guess you already know the answer...........

Nevertheless, I know how to deal with most problems. I tell them the truth in their own language. I let them know how ASEAN will affect them, their families and more. ,

It's not the case that they don't like me, majority loves me and I see the lack of education they get at home. One of my favorite students, a boy, always hugs me,

I can see that it's not just me who's got huge problems with them. I also see so many Thais struggling, with the difference that some of them beat them when they misbehave.

You can't change the seat order, that a guy must sit next to a girl, as that would be a sort of sexual harassment. ( Coming from a grade six teacher)

I tell them that if I see the phone again, I'll take it and they'll have to pick it up at the director's office. Why the heck would I start to sample all their phones in each lesson, as others had "advised?"

I'm doing this job for too long, that I 'd just walk out and give up. Brought up this topic as I'm aware that many people are in the same boat. I had 55 kids at a high school,all of them grade 7, (M.1), but have never experienced such an environment I'm going through now.

The one Thai English teacher had told me, a good way threatening them would be to give them a lower grade. I started laughing, as I always write my own tests, give them the results at the end of the year/term, But they seem to give them grades based on their parents' relationship to them.

Then the cancellation of so many English lessons. It's indeed more useful to "teach" them how to march, instead of learning English.Thailand needs marching people once ASEAN pops in, because then they actually realize what they'd missed. Not the boy scout bull <deleted>.

And the morality of the story? You can't change the system, gotta go with the flow. Wish all a good teaching week. Ohhhh Yesssss.-

Edited January 26, 2014 by sirchai

[sirchai]

You have lost me there mate .. Grade 6 is M1, P6 or what ?

Theres only 6 or so weeks to the end of term .. just ride it out.

You know the drill, just ignore the post that mentions getting throwing kids out ( you are the teacher, your supposed to teach them in class ) & kids to stand on chairs ?? that gets you one place .. down the road.

Leave their phones in the bags, yeah right, see that flying pig ? .. Get a TT assistant .. Like they are going to do that, unless you already have that option .. High paced energy games … They dont need adrenaline, they need tamazapan.

Are you guys teachers ? or just dreamers.

My idea is that things need to be controlled, doesnt mean to say I always get it, doesnt mean it has to be quiet.

I give the kids 10 mins to show up when I just hang out and use as much English as I can, after that no one enters the class, period.

For the next 10 mins we made a deal in the first term, the phones go away and they give me quiet, all non-Thai teachers request this and lessons dont start until there is silence, no need for shouting, i just wait, one kid will always take the hint. I use the time to get a basic-straight to the point lesson, using the white board as much as possible, using the kids to provide the ideas. I make sure, the lesson is crystal clear to a couple of groups spread around the room. If anyone else is unclear, then I encourage the kids to get up and ask those groups.

The majority get on with pair work and i move directly to the back of the class and help the kids who really havent got a clue.

Then i move along the isles, checking the work as i go .. obviously, by 30 minutes into the lesson, the phones / tablets are coming out, but to be honest, aslong as the lesson objective is being achieved and with 50 kids, I dont notice, so there is no confilct. At that pace, there is 10 minutes left to check attendance, where I learn their Thai names ;D and I try to give the advanced guys a bit of time, while the rest can do as they please or finish off their task ( im not too proud of that, but it works ).

It takes time, it takes a good stable teaching team with similar ideas to obtain good classes ( you said that yourself, but in my case i have 2 good fillipinas who dont teach through games, as collegues ), but my advice would be slow pace, flexible expectations in a controlled environment .. you also know the drill, for kids to settle and work for you, they need to love you. Just find a way to let them.

I dont think you need any advice, I think you are doing all right things without it.

If all else fails you can always get them jogging around the playground in the mid day heat.

You have lost me there mate .. Grade 6 is M1, P6 or what ?

Grade 6 is Prathomsuksa six, also called P.6. M1 is considered grade 7.-

[bundoi]

@sirchai you mentioned onet - have your students already done onet this academic year?

[sirchai]

@sirchai you mentioned onet - have your students already done onet this academic year?

Yep, the pre- O-net and the results were breathtaking. 17 % of the kids passed them and I have to admit that these tests were pretty easy this time. But they'd also messed up in other subjects such as math and science. Even in their "own" subject Thai.

The kids I'd followed from end of grade four to end of grade six last year had a percentage of 29% in English. And I felt guilty, better said they made me feel guilty as the 30% + mark has to be focused on...

But they never had the outstanding Ohhhh yesss teeeching and yelling team.

The :"real" O-Net tests will be written on 10th of February. No way to see better results. Guess, who''s to blame? Not the Thai English teachers, as faceless teachers can't teach anymore.

Considering the fact that many of them couldn't even pass in their own language, how the heck could they be better in a second language, thus having had the Muppet show entertainment for two years, where speaking wasn't part of the teaching. -

Edited January 26, 2014 by sirchai

[NoshowJones]

Use half of the black/ white board, for punishment exercises. ie, write across the top "I am a very naughty boy/girl, " then draw, say 20 lines below it, then the naughty boy/girl has to write that on the twenty lines below.

The naughty boy/girl knows that they have to stand there until the twenty lines are completed, so they will do it. In the odd case they don't, they are still getting punished by having to stand there for the rest of the lesson, children hate having to stand. This punishment is only really effective if it starts during the first half of the lesson.

[SOTIRIOS]

...give it up....

..you are greatly outnumbered in all departments....

...next step...you will be 'set up' and slandered.....that's the way it goes...

[sirchai]

Well, we all have difficult classes.

I've found the M6s to be sometimes not bothered (to learn) but usually, they are pretty docile IMHO.

My bad M3 students are more challenging.

There is a 3/11 class where students just walk out at the end of the previous class. sometimes, they will all walk back in th elast 5 minutes of my class. With high energy, fast paced activities and an attempt to engage each and every one, I have kept the select few (maybe 7 out of about 33) happy. Pretty abysmal - and the Thai assistant stopped showing up weeks ago. (And if she's present, she will just sit there and not participate).

Q: Have you ever thrown the worst two or three students out?

I like to make them stand on their chair and raise their arms in the air, as mild punishment. Or make them hop like a rabbit etc. But then, when there is PANDEMONIUM, just getting the noise level down will be tough.

Will you be looking for a new job?

I'v heard that our superiors are really concerned, as our female teacher had quit her job, kids' behavior was just one problem. They'd sent their homeroom teachers to check on the kids, when having English now.

Could also be that it's gone this week, let's see. But to answer your last question. I'll definitely not be there in May, if things don't change. Tried to tell them to use only one English book, not four different ones.

It's pretty annoying when English teachers don't understand you when speaking in English. Didn't mean the Thais mow. They're happy to send their money off each month. But that's it.

A meeting two weeks ago turned into something where none of the guys in the English department understood what the American lady and i had said. They speak baby English to the head teacher, kissing her ass. Ajarn, you look so beautiful today. Ajarn here, Ajarn there.Ajarn up and down.

But would she get their level of English, as she's pretty bad,even understanding a simple sentence?

Nope, but others do. Guys who don't even teach English.

They're always acting busy when the Thai head comes in. Best they can do is to create a board, but you need to tell them what to write.

Seems that we've got all the nasty ones, (Books) Thais are using them, such as Gogo loves Tinglish & other crap like Bounce Up, or Off. The grade six book starts with a story about a pirate and his golden sword. Hilarious.They do not get the message that a projector would change all.

The only positive challenge to use the pirate's story is to prepare them for the real life in form of how to find books, software and other useful things on their bay.

Thai teachers and foreigners teaching the same topics, using let's say: Let's Go, starting at grade one, then two,etc,, didn't really get into their brains. Foreigners doing the "conversational" part of all the topics and it would benefit all.

All in all it's not just one problem I'm fighting with. I'd prefer to listen to my wife's advice, just to go and teach, but...-

Such an idea coming from a guy with a "healthy common sense" isn't really appreciated. Insanity at its best.-

Edited January 26, 2014 by sirchai

[DGIE]

"You have to get them engaged, involved and having fun. Learning without them actually knowing it."

sirchai doesn't want fun in class as he considers that a play that's why he accused those Filipino teachers of just playing in class.

I think having fun in a class is one way of motivating a class to get their attention and interest. Teaching seriously in class seems useless for a large class of Thai students

[DGIE]

When I taught in mathayom 3, one of the students was unruly (he is big and I learned that he grew without parents) and he boasted in front of his classmates that I was nothing to him. His size is more than what you know about Mathayom 3 because he went to M3 several years. He kicked anybody if he wanted. He knew something about Muay Thai.

I asked him to meet me after class by himself without anybody with him.

When he came to me. I asked him if he liked to go with me in the park where there were no people to see us and see if he was really that tough. I told him, I know you are really tough and I want you to prove that to me when you are alone.

The next few days, he was absent. When he attended class, his attitude suddenly changed.

[sirchai]

"You have to get them engaged, involved and having fun. Learning without them actually knowing it."

sirchai doesn't want fun in class as he considers that a play that's why he accused those Filipino teachers of just playing in class.

I think having fun in a class is one way of motivating a class to get their attention and interest. Teaching seriously in class seems useless for a large class of Thai students

Just wondering how you came to such a conclusion. I love fun and keep my lessons pretty funny.

If you think teaching them something suitable for their age isn't necessary, then I'd appreciate not to read any more comments of yours.

If you want your own kids to speak, read and write in English,games and songs are just one tool. That on the other hand only if it's topic related.

What's the purpose of kids singing a song but they don't even know what they're singing? Same goes for games and some utter dance bs.

I see my job as an occupation, where my kids will have to learn English.Many ways lead to Rome. Did you read that in my post that I don't like fun?-

Edited January 26, 2014 by sirchai

[sirchai]

When I taught in mathayom 3, one of the students was unruly (he is big and I learned that he grew without parents) and he boasted in front of his classmates that I was nothing to him. His size is more than what you know about Mathayom 3 because he went to M3 several years. He kicked anybody if he wanted. He knew something about Muay Thai.

I asked him to meet me after class by himself without anybody with him.

When he came to me. I asked him if he liked to go with me in the park where there were no people to see us and see if he was really that tough. I told him, I know you are really tough and I want you to prove that to me when you are alone.

The next few days, he was absent. When he attended class, his attitude suddenly changed.

I've learned how to box when I was eight years old, had various fights in my life, but do not agree with your post.

There're psychological and physical ways how to solve problems.

"Let's go behind building and sort this out" is more the European way how to solve problems. That's not the right one, honestly speaking.

I prefer psychology and why would I like to test a student of mine who's stronger?

I already know that he'd lose.a fight,even being two times taller/ bigger.-

[CIHUAHUA]

I am not a teacher but was a psychiatric nurse (children and adolescence) at Napa State Hospital in California, USA for years. I think all of the teachers that think- little games and involve the students so they learn and don't know it- attitudes are the problem the world has today with teaching. It does not work folks. The idea of "mainstreaming" autistic and MRDD students with "normal" children is so much crap. That is true with children that have behavior problems as well. The real truth is that teaching the three "Rs" should be the only subjects taught. If they do not have parents that support education or teachers that know more that they do then there is not chance anything will change. You can then call yourself a human warehouseman just keeping the kids off the streets. Teach in smaller groups. take away the i-pods, mobile phones and make the computer something the better students get to use. If you give a kid an inch they will take a foot. Don't try to be their friend because they will manipulate you and make you think you are doing the job. If not just accept that you are burned out and do something else for a living.

[sirchai]

I am not a teacher but was a psychiatric nurse (children and adolescence) at Napa State Hospital in California, USA for years. I think all of the teachers that think- little games and involve the students so they learn and don't know it- attitudes are the problem the world has today with teaching. It does not work folks. The idea of "mainstreaming" autistic and MRDD students with "normal" children is so much crap. That is true with children that have behavior problems as well. The real truth is that teaching the three "Rs" should be the only subjects taught. If they do not have parents that support education or teachers that know more that they do then there is not chance anything will change. You can then call yourself a human warehouseman just keeping the kids off the streets. Teach in smaller groups. take away the i-pods, mobile phones and make the computer something the better students get to use. If you give a kid an inch they will take a foot. Don't try to be their friend because they will manipulate you and make you think you are doing the job. If not just accept that you are burned out and do something else for a living.

Thanks, dude. Really appreciate your thoughts.-

[Scott]

Let's please drop the discussion of physical punishment and threats of violence, either in or out of school. It is inappropriate and it is against the law.

[recom273]

This is Thailand, when you start going down the route of punishment, starting personal campaigns and putting your campaign in black and white, taking personal property, creating rules that are alien to Thai culture, you've pretty much signed your own death warrant.

So by M6 P6 these kids have no English ability, whatever you do now, isnt going to make the slightest difference .. just go in and teach.

Edited January 26, 2014 by recom273

[sirchai]

Let's please drop the discussion of physical punishment and threats of violence, either in or out of school. It is inappropriate and it is against the law.

And it seems that there're already many educators out there doing that in primary and secondary levels.

Would rather like to quit my job before hitting students.Thanks Scott.-

[lostinisaan]

I know Sirchai personally and I can assure you that he does all to entertain his students.He does treat his students like his own kids, but there're too many foul apples. Kids who'd be at a school for special needs with a special teacher.

I"d the opportunity to watch him and two of his lessons.The problem is not the way he teaches. The problem is the loss of face policy in Thailand.

I've met some of his colleagues, when I was asking one "How is it going?, she'd answered: I go have lunch. No more words needed.

If they think foreigners who even speak Thai, like Sirchai does, are too expensive, let them go their old way and nothing will change..

Sirchai's school is well known over the boarder of Ubon Ratchathani for its World Class Standardized Bullshit. Nobody would like to have such a work load, doing all the written stuff for the school, making not even 30 K a month.

There're gifted people like Sirchai who know much about kid's psychology and I've seen them loving him more than their parents.

Head up, you can only try to do a good job but not in such a messed up environment, calling itself school. Get the f...out of there soon.

If they don't get an easy message, let them find new guys and all the stuff you're doing right now. Teaching school directors, seminars for primary and high school teachers, hiring foreign teachers, (have seen how much work that can be), etc....

Once you'll quit, they'll wake up, believe me. This school certainly doesn't deserve such a qualified guy like you.

[sirchai]

I know Sirchai personally and I can assure you that he does all to entertain his students.He does treat his students like his own kids, but there're too many foul apples. Kids who'd be at a school for special needs with a special teacher.

I"d the opportunity to watch him and two of his lessons.The problem is not the way he teaches. The problem is the loss of face policy in Thailand.

I've met some of his colleagues, when I was asking one "How is it going?, she'd answered: I go have lunch. No more words needed.

If they think foreigners who even speak Thai, like Sirchai does, are too expensive, let them go their old way and nothing will change..

Sirchai's school is well known over the boarder of Ubon Ratchathani for its World Class Standardized Bullshit. Nobody would like to have such a work load, doing all the written stuff for the school, making not even 30 K a month.

There're gifted people like Sirchai who know much about kid's psychology and I've seen them loving him more than their parents.

Head up, you can only try to do a good job but not in such a messed up environment, calling itself school. Get the f...out of there soon.

If they don't get an easy message, let them find new guys and all the stuff you're doing right now. Teaching school directors, seminars for primary and high school teachers, hiring foreign teachers, (have seen how much work that can be), etc....

Once you'll quit, they'll wake up, believe me. This school certainly doesn't deserve such a qualified guy like you.

Thanks dude. Guess I owe you a beer. You're right about my school's reputation. But you know why I'm still there?

Because most of these kids give me more my salary can buy. Also called love.The kids are innocent, it's their freaking system that doesn't allow them to ask a question.

I'll at least finish my contract as I'd made a commitment and look forward to work in the province where I'm living.

Thanks again for the nice and true words.-

[wotsdermatter]

I am a Counselling Psychologist and have lived, taught (psychology, English, and cookery as I am also a chef), and practised in Thailand since 1994 but now retired but come back every winter to miss the snow, etc in Toronto. My first question, which does not appear to have been asked or answer provided is simple. What are your qualifications? I ask that because in Thailand it is possible to teach without a degree or with no training, which is a big mistake. While working at one location in Salaya, I provided the Ministry of Education with a paper I had written, in 2003 concerning the hiring of teachers, including how to determine if a person held a genuine degree. Some of my recommendations are now being introduced. My second question, is rather simplistic. How do you, as an unqualified person, determine that students are autistic, as there are several types? I agree with one person who said she had been a psychiatric nurse, that such persons, if diagnosed as such by using correct procedures, should be in separate classes but in Thailand there are very, very few such classes available as there are virtually no teachers with the specialised training required. It can be extremely difficult to overcome your present situation and I suggest it could have been, if you had taken the initiative from the beginning. As one person pointed out, correctly, it is against the law for a teacher to hit a school child. If such is happening, you as a responsible teacher should have a private talk with the principle and if that does not have any effect, call a meeting of the school board. You will not win any points for doing so but it will allow you to get things off your chest and in the open. Do not hit a child, regardless of how annoying the child is. You are the one who will suffer as you are not Thai and the repercussions can be very harsh. I had a genuine case of autism in one class and the parents were astonished when I discussed it with them and they let me know I was correct and their son was undergoing therapy. The school principle did not like me having that meeting with the parents but soon realised that it was for the best. A few weeks later, the parents asked me to help their child during the holiday months and I agreed, but first obtained discussed the situation with his attending psychiatrist. All worked out well. Finally, I have compiled a 54 page document of strategies titled A Guide to English Courses. If you would like a copy, all you have to do is ask and I can e-mail it as an attachment. I distribute it free to be used as a tool for people who need assistance. *email removed*

[isawasnake]

This is never rocket science. Get in there, get the paychecks, and have fun. After a while you'll get a little more respect from them, but it will still be a total joke, but the paychecks wont be.

[isawasnake]

I am a Counselling Psychologist and have lived, taught (psychology, English, and cookery as I am also a chef), and practised in Thailand since 1994 but now retired but come back every winter to miss the snow, etc in Toronto. My first question, which does not appear to have been asked or answer provided is simple. What are your qualifications? I ask that because in Thailand it is possible to teach without a degree or with no training, which is a big mistake. While working at one location in Salaya, I provided the Ministry of Education with a paper I had written, in 2003 concerning the hiring of teachers, including how to determine if a person held a genuine degree. Some of my recommendations are now being introduced. My second question, is rather simplistic. How do you, as an unqualified person, determine that students are autistic, as there are several types? I agree with one person who said she had been a psychiatric nurse, that such persons, if diagnosed as such by using correct procedures, should be in separate classes but in Thailand there are very, very few such classes available as there are virtually no teachers with the specialised training required. It can be extremely difficult to overcome your present situation and I suggest it could have been, if you had taken the initiative from the beginning. As one person pointed out, correctly, it is against the law for a teacher to hit a school child. If such is happening, you as a responsible teacher should have a private talk with the principle and if that does not have any effect, call a meeting of the school board. You will not win any points for doing so but it will allow you to get things off your chest and in the open. Do not hit a child, regardless of how annoying the child is. You are the one who will suffer as you are not Thai and the repercussions can be very harsh. I had a genuine case of autism in one class and the parents were astonished when I discussed it with them and they let me know I was correct and their son was undergoing therapy. The school principle did not like me having that meeting with the parents but soon realised that it was for the best. A few weeks later, the parents asked me to help their child during the holiday months and I agreed, but first obtained discussed the situation with his attending psychiatrist. All worked out well. Finally, I have compiled a 54 page document of strategies titled A Guide to English Courses. If you would like a copy, all you have to do is ask and I can e-mail it as an attachment. I distribute it free to be used as a tool for people who need assistance.

Are you being serious? You know he is getting paid about 30k baht a month, right?