Tips and advice on teaching large classes

[KarlosInBKK]

Hi all,

Newbie English Teacher here. I start work for a well known and respected government school in BKK on the 1st May and will be teaching class sizes of around 50 students aged 11-12 (mixed boys and girls). What tips and advice would offer? Comments such as "I advise you not to teach such large class sizes" are not welcome! I have already done a google search and have read numerous articles so advice such as "do a google search" are also not welcome. I'm just looking to hear useful tips and advice from teachers who have taught large classes in Thailand.

Many thanks.

[fatdrunkandstupid]

Don't.

[BwindiBoy]

Don't.

...because even native English speakers fail to understand your polite request!!

[Scott]

Stick to the topic. The OP has asked a pretty straight forward question. If you don't wish to answer it, then please don't post. Trolling will earn you a suspension.

[DavoTheGun]

I have been Teaching English in Issan for 6 Months, the largest class is 40 Students, I have found that the difficulty is controlling the kids, the Teachers have no idea on Disipline, I also assist 2 "English" Teachers both of which mastered in English but do not understand the spoken word, or speak themselves, so I am Teaching them as well!

Have Fun and do not take it to seriously of you will go nuts!!

[gerry123]

Please tell me did the teacher training you received not enlighten you with this detail or is it just the basics you need to teach in Thailand i am really interested as to what quals one needs over here

[KarlosInBKK]

Have Fun and do not take it to seriously of you will go nuts!!

Thanks DaveTheGun I think that is pretty sound advice

[KarlosInBKK]

Please tell me did the teacher training you received not

enlighten you with this detail or is it just the basics you need to teach in Thailand i am really interested as to what quals one needs over here

I'm looking for advice on teaching large classes within Thailand. There's the whole loss of face thing and also the concept of sanuk to take into account etc.

If you have a degree in any field then you can get a non-immigrant B visa and work permit. Doing a TEFL course will also help. I only did an online TEFL course as I have experience teaching photography. Plus I was crazy busy when I was back in the UK so didn't have time to do a classroom based course.

[DavoTheGun]

You will also find the Girls are much more cooperative and most want to learn, but as a generalization the Boys are not, try and split the class into groups, try and keep them interested, and proactive. create incentives to learn, not common in Thailand, and the Thai Teachers will think your nuts!

[Pantor]

I taught large classes for several years and the only way I get attention from them is humor and magic tricks.

You have to perform, play with them...make fun and they will love and listen to you.

Edited April 16, 2014 by Pantor

[cgphuket]

Try to separate the groups of friends if possible. Put them into unrelated groups for activities as it is easier to control 8-10 groups than 50 individuals. And may god have mercy on you.

[doontp]

Group work. they love that. have them describe cool pictures you took. asians love taking pictures. I'm guessing you have a nice camera. bring it to class. make a lesson out of a neat looking picture. talk about your photography training. take pictures of them being naughty in class. smile when you do it. don't be serious. try to learn a few instructional words in Thai. hearing the foreign teacher speak a little Thai makes them laugh.

and remember....don't be serious. you're never going to get all 50 students to listen at the same time. try not to say "be quiet!!" it will never happen. instead, kindly ask them to whisper. learn how to say "whisper" in Thai. make sure they know what whisper means.

don't teach with a "drill sargent" attitude. try to be encouraging. try to teach them how to teach themselves - give advice, examples. don't try teach too much content at once. 50 minutes goes by quick. try to remember as many of their names as possible. try to refer to them by name. carry a small notepad to write down their name and something about them. it shows that you're paying attention to them. They're going to act a little different if they know you have written something about them. always have that notepad with you in your pocket.

good luck and have fun with it. and don't come here trying to change anything. just go with it. the Thai way is the only way around here. smile, don't worry be happy

[sirchai]

Seems that you'll teach Prathomsuksa (grade) six. Please don't expect too much, you'll usually have three to five students in each class who a sort of understand and speak English.

I've got 40 and grade six kids, who are really challenging. Their bodies are changing, they become teenies and they know that they'll pass anyway, whatever grades you're planning to give them.

Be aware that these kids never ask questions, as they're not really allowed to do so. ( The loss of face, that the teacher might now know thing)

Respect them and make sure that they'll respect you. Once you've lost a class, you won't get it back.

If they don't listen to you, stop talking, until they do. Don't shout at them!!!

You'll have to adjust your speech in a way that they understand you.Keep your lessons funny, but make your classroom riles already in the beginning, or you'll find most of them online on their facebook page.

Honestly speaking it's quite difficult to write down what I'd experienced in nine years. Good luck and welcome to the teaching jungle! -

Edited April 16, 2014 by sirchai

[lucifer666]

I find that teaching large classes is easier than small ones. With small classes, the students tend to be much quieter and trying to get feedback from them is like pulling teeth. With a larger class, however, there'e always a few students who will give responses to questions, and that in turn helps the rest to interact.

[Pii Kate]

Kids need to discharge energy often. Have them stand, shake arms, legs, move around for a few minutes every hour. Kids love sweets. Use this as an incentive to get assignments, homework done. Stickers, pencils, etc. incentives for those who demonstrate good behavior in class, especially for those that have a great deal of difficulty minding. Songs (Old Mc Donald) etc. to learn words. Make it fun. I bet your first exposure to French was singing "Are you sleeping Bro. John?".

Good luck

[newatthis]

Do prepare your lessons and think weeks in advance. Piss poor preparation =piss poor performance. Do have an aim for each lesson ie "What do I want The students to learn?" Work at trying to make your lessons interesting. They listen to Thai teachers teach boring lessons every day, so plan yours so that, at the least , they'll have some spice in them.

Just because they don't speak English, don't think they're stupid...they'll know if you're interested in them and in teaching them. So don't go to the pub every night, get blotto and think you can "wing it" every day.

Be patient. They're learning a foreign language and when you walk out of the classroom, they won't speak another word of English until they see you again.

So be grateful if they learn a little bit every week. Be content with that.

Have a good attitude. You're not God's gift to Thailand [i've met a few of them]. You're not the best nor the worst teacher here so talk to others and share ideas.

And enjoy it. If you're not enjoying teaching, why should the students enjoy learning?

Edited April 16, 2014 by newatthis

[duanebigsby]

Some good advice is being given here.

On day one you can get each kid to write their nickname with felt tip and take a photo of each student holding it in front of them. Let them be goofy and make faces and have fun.It's a great intro and you'll find yourself using those photos when you forget names.

I also try to keep enough space between the aisles of desks so I can walk to the back of the class. The students at the back will try to avoid you all semester so sometimes you need to go to them

I try to stress to them that I just want them to try. I don't expect the students with poor English (or none at all) to get really good at it. I just want them to get over the shyness and fear of being wrong and give it a try. You try, you pass.

Some of your lesson plans will change as you see needs. Be flexible. Games often invent themselves as you go.

Lastly, when you are frustrated and ready to give up, remind yourself that your job is just talking to kids. You are there for them to hear and try to emulate native English teachers. You are doing as much good in the hallways as you are in class.

.

[KarlosInBKK]

Thank you to everyone that has offered good advice so far. It's been really helpful. Much appreciated

[sirchai]

You’ll always reach a point where you’d love to walk out and never come back. Teaching English in Thailand isn’t that easy as it seems. Some people have the skills to do so, some don’t.

The best possible seat order would be that a boy has to sit next to a girl, not next to their friends. Thus it might be wishful thinking, as the Thais (homeroom teachers) might not like that idea, but I’d give it a try and you’ll face less noise/problems.

You’ll have to make some “warm up” activities, so please try to make your classroom rules, no cell phones on, when learning English, “may I go out, please?”, when they like to go to the bathroom, never underestimate Thai kids, they’re as clever as other kids their age.

I don’t know if your responsibility will only be to teach them conversational English, but it’s possible that you’ll also have to teach them writing, reading, some grammar in addition.

Many kids in grade six can’t read their own name, they always have to “look it up” on a sheet, or older notebook, they used before. Many are using capital and small letters in words, a lot will not understand a word you’re saying.

Prepare your lessons and spend a good amount of time doing so. Always have a backup, if it turns out that the lesson won’t work, too difficult, too easy, etc...

I remember my first week, when I had to teach grade one and two. I felt something on my trousers when I wrote something on the black board, turned around and saw a little boy, wearing glasses drawing something on them with a permanent marker.

First reaction was to go out, went to the director’s office to let him know that such a job wouldn't be for me, but finally turned around, went back, took the little boy’s glasses off and said something he couldn't understand. From that day on he was the best student I had in grade one.

I've learned so many things through teaching, I know more than my Thai colleagues about this country, its religions, culture and I did develop my Thai skills through the kids. I love my occupation and always do my best. The love kids will give you is worth more than your salary can buy.

Wish you a good start.-

Edited April 16, 2014 by sirchai

[ggt]

You know those drinks everyone has after work...have yours before...

[art vandelay]

assuming you have you a CELTA or equivalent then the practical classroom management sessions will serve you well but 50 is a big class.

assert yourself from the start; you can always become less strict but if you start off being too easy on them you will never gain control

work with the students to come up with a classroom contract outlining do's and don'ts that they all sign and put up on the wall

arrange the class as you want it to make management easier e.g. separate trouble makers

be well prepared with a variety of activities; listening, speaking, writing in each lesson

be clear and consistent on boundaries

dont come to work with a hangover.

[Baerboxer]

Please tell me did the teacher training you received not

enlighten you with this detail or is it just the basics you need to teach in Thailand i am really interested as to what quals one needs over here

I'm looking for advice on teaching large classes within Thailand. There's the whole loss of face thing and also the concept of sanuk to take into account etc.

If you have a degree in any field then you can get a non-immigrant B visa and work permit. Doing a TEFL course will also help. I only did an online TEFL course as I have experience teaching photography. Plus I was crazy busy when I was back in the UK so didn't have time to do a classroom based course.

Did you teach photography to adults or children? Was it as a hobby or a fully examined educational course? Very different.

Teaching is a profession which requires the right study, and development of empirical teaching skills. You taken the plunge, as many do, and really need to put some hard work in now.

Remember you will now be teaching children, from a different culture and with widely differing abilities and interest in the subject you will be teaching. Try and build a good rapport with as many as you can, make the lessons interesting, different and certainly fun. My daughter and her classmates (private school) have one American teacher and one Scottish teacher who they all think "awesome and wonderful". Both these guys are professional well qualified and experienced teachers now, but both have taught here many years. So it can be done. They make their lessons really interesting and fun - but the tests are tough, the homework plenty and the standards achieved high. I've also come across some expat teachers who struggled like crazy and went home very depressed - don't let things get you down like that. Remember you have no real teaching experience. You have to be realistic - it may not be for you. If so, the earlier you recognize it the better. Don't try and use teaching just as a means to a visa and work permit - the kids, parents and colleagues will suss you out quickly.

My wife is a professional teacher with relevant Bachelor's and Master's degrees. She can teach a large class of children or lecture to adults. I've lectured and examined part time at a UK university and in higher education professional courses internationally whilst pursing a business career and delivered workshops to 100+ - would I be confident teaching children - No Sir! Sure I could go and do a talk or a couple of presentations. But designing classes, teaching 40-50 children 5 days a week - nope. My wife, no problem. Finland currently has a high reputation regarding children's education. It may be worth you researching and reading about their approaches. Similarly I would recommend you read up on educational psychology if you haven't already done so.

You've already committed - so good luck. Remember the best lessons are always fun!

[NoshowJones]

To the OP. Children age 11-12 will be either Prathom 6 Grade 6, or Mattayom 1, which is Grade 7. In my experience, teaching Prathom classes, you will have a Thai teacher, although not always in the class, keeping an eye on the students, but never interfering with your lessons. If you are teaching Grade 7, there probably won't be any teacher keeping an eye out, it will help if you are also a bit of an entertainer, give them some educational games based on what you are teaching them, ie give them a spelling contest based on words that are used in any lesson you have taught them, have the boys vs the girls ( the girls will win every time) all schools have their own methods about doing things, but educational games are more likely to keep the students interested and well behaved.

[sirchai]

To the OP. Children age 11-12 will be either Prathom 6 Grade 6, or Mattayom 1, which is Grade 7. In my experience, teaching Prathom classes, you will have a Thai teacher, although not always in the class, keeping an eye on the students, but never interfering with your lessons. If you are teaching Grade 7, there probably won't be any teacher keeping an eye out, it will help if you are also a bit of an entertainer, give them some educational games based on what you are teaching them, ie give them a spelling contest based on words that are used in any lesson you have taught them, have the boys vs the girls ( the girls will win every time) all schools have their own methods about doing things, but educational games are more likely to keep the students interested and well behaved.

Hey Mr. Possum,

Good to see that you've survived all the attacks.-

Kids aged 11 and 12 will start grade six, majority will turn 12 in this academic year. I'm at my second primary school now and never had help of a Thai teacher.

Even the 'better' kids in English won't be able to learn and memorize more than three words in a lesson. I write the new words on the board, let a student with a good handwriting write the Thai word next to it and let them copy it into their notebooks.

Repeat the new learned vocabulary again and again, also how they're being used in sentences.

I always make a 10 word spelling test at the end of the lesson, then let the students exchange their notebooks that they check each others' words, correct them and all in all takes only five to ten minutes.

Helps them a lot and you can see the results at the beginning and at the end of the year.

Games are also very useful, but it has to be topic related. I agree with Mr. Possum that the girls are usually better, but only in the first term.

Then boys catch up, had some outstanding buys, who mostly developed their English skills in the second term.

Edited April 16, 2014 by sirchai

[NoshowJones]

To the OP. Children age 11-12 will be either Prathom 6 Grade 6, or Mattayom 1, which is Grade 7. In my experience, teaching Prathom classes, you will have a Thai teacher, although not always in the class, keeping an eye on the students, but never interfering with your lessons. If you are teaching Grade 7, there probably won't be any teacher keeping an eye out, it will help if you are also a bit of an entertainer, give them some educational games based on what you are teaching them, ie give them a spelling contest based on words that are used in any lesson you have taught them, have the boys vs the girls ( the girls will win every time) all schools have their own methods about doing things, but educational games are more likely to keep the students interested and well behaved.

Hey Mr. Possum,

Good to see that you've survived all the attacks.-

Kids aged 11 and 12 will start grade six, majority will turn 12 in this academic year. I'm at my second primary school now and never had help of a Thai teacher.

Even the 'better' kids in English won't be able to learn and memorize more than three words in a lesson. I write the new words on the board, let a student with a good handwriting write the Thai word next to it and let them copy it into their notebooks.

Repeat the new learned vocabulary again and again, also how they're being used in sentences.

I always make a 10 word spelling test at the end of the lesson, then let the students exchange their notebooks that they check each others' words, correct them and all in all takes only five to ten minutes.

Helps them a lot and you can see the results at the beginning and at the end of the year.

Games are also very useful, but it has to be topic related. I agree with Mr. Possum that the girls are usually better, but only in the first term.

Then boys catch up, had some outstanding buys, who mostly developed their English skills in the second term.

I never taught above Mattayom 4, and when I was teaching Prathom 5 and 6,and that was for 2 years, I never had any Thai teacher helping me, They would sometimes watch the class just to make sure they behaved, and it worked, and never once did any Thai teacher ever interfere with my lessons, the naughty students were terrified of me sending them to stand outside the class door, as they knew they were in trouble when a Thai teacher came by.

But in Grades 9 and 10, nobody ever bothered, and I had to control classes of from 40 to 50 students, I got to know the students who were not interested (mostly boys) and refused to allow them to sit together.

[bkksiam]

• Don't get into power struggles with them. You'll never win.
• Don't take things personally-they'll try to push your buttons but you have to take the high road.
• Model the types of behaviors you want to see in them i.e., don't expect them to be respectful of you and of others if you are not respectful of them at all times.
• Don't rely on punishment to get the behaviours you want.
• Don't lecture: engage them in activities that are motivating.
• Seek their input.
• As others have suggested- use games and contests and
• -most importantly read up on educational psychology-and adolescent psychology. It's such a difficult time for many of these kids. Get to know them individually as people who have their own struggles, problems and anxieties-not to mention hormones coming out of the eyes and ears.

[Gsxrnz]

Use Facebook as your teaching medium and they'll lap it up - I heard this one from a teacher outside Pattaya, he said they just have to see the FB logo and suddenly they're interested. He tailored his classes around FB type conversations and he said the kids were like sponges.

For those that don't, keep a good supply of whiteboard dusters handy - practice your aim frequently.

[sirchai]

Use Facebook as your teaching medium and they'll lap it up - I heard this one from a teacher outside Pattaya, he said they just have to see the FB logo and suddenly they're interested. He tailored his classes around FB type conversations and he said the kids were like sponges.

For those that don't, keep a good supply of whiteboard dusters handy - practice your aim frequently.

Thai students usually write and read facebook in Thai. No teacher wants to have kids being online and "playing facebook." Thai expression.

Well, your teacher friend from outside Pattaya seems to have no idea what teaching is all about.

What's a facebook type conversation anyways?

[DavoTheGun]

Ditto.

[JO1973]

Use group work as much as possible.