Thailand still very low in English language skills

[webfact]

Thailand still very low in English language skills
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The average TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score in Thailand last year was among the three lowest for Asean countries, Enconcept E-Academy executive Apitha Wonlopsiri said yesterday.

He said the country's average score was 76 points (it was 74 points last year), but was still among the bottom three, which included Cambodia (69) and Laos (68).

Singapore topped the list with 98 points followed by Malaysia and Philippines (89), Indonesia (82), Myanmar (79) and Vietnam (78).

Apitha called on Thai students to urgently improve their English language skills.

He said the main reasons for the low score included the emphasis on translating English, students lacking clear objectives, a fixed teaching pattern and a fear of failure among students. As a result, he said the academy had introduced the "TOEFL X-CHANGE" tablet, which had eight language-learning applications to allow children to practice English anytime, anywhere.

-- The Nation 2014-06-13

[JimShortz]

Another "tablet" solution.... Well, good luck!

If it's anything like the hospitals/doctors here everyone will get at least 3 different tablets - guaranteed to work....

[terryp]

Thais generally want to learn but many lack the motivation or time…MSG loaded food does not help also

[zaphod reborn]

No, the primary reason for poor English skills is an aversion to anything foreign. There is a political and cultural fear that English language skills would wash away Thainess. When the government creates an atmosphere of English language immersion this will be eliminated. But, this is Thailand, and that will never happen.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Bluespunk]

"The average TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score in Thailand last year was among the three lowest for Asean countries, Enconcept E-Academy executive Apitha Wonlopsiri said yesterday"

And let me guess, your programme is the panacea to all these problems? No doubt at a reasonable price as well.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Bluespunk

[petedk]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[chooka]

I don't think Thais really consider English an important language in the big picture. The Thai Consulate General in Sydney says Thais in Australia should be learning Thai in Aussie schools.

[Scott]

The key to learning a language is in actually using the language. Thais in general get very little exposure or chance to use the language.

[Paulzed]

Its a shame that this is the case with Thailand, the English Language has been an International Language for a very long time.

And to see that the Neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam have very high scores, would indicate that the problem lies in the

Thai culture and the Thai education system in general.

[NongKhaiKid]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Unfortunately for the country rather than actual students the whole system is flawed from the outset.

Cheating isn't really seen as wrong. Remember the incident at Ramkamheng Uni with Mr. Ts son and the comments of the deputy head who said cheating was not a serious matter.

Students don't really have to fear failure as for many and varied reasons not many do unless an outcast and a real nonentity.

Students get passes and qualifications they didn't earn or don't deserve and the country gets landed with all these ' qualified ' people.

[Bluespunk]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Maybe the texting was because they were having fun and were supporting each other in their learning.

[worgeordie]

One of the negatives ,i suppose of never been colonized by Britain,

and they would have had an extensive and working rail system,also

maybe a better system of law.

regards Worgeordie

[Bluespunk]

One of the negatives ,i suppose of never been colonized by Britain,

and they would have had an extensive and working rail system,also

maybe a better system of law.

regards Worgeordie

Give me chaos any day then.

[Paulzed]

One of the negatives ,i suppose of never been colonized by Britain,

and they would have had an extensive and working rail system,also

maybe a better system of law.

regards Worgeordie

Vietnam was not colonised by Britain either, they seem to have the gist of the English Language etc...

[rametindallas]

Not to insult Khin Apitha, but he/she doesn't have a clue why English skills are at the bottom. First, English is taught by non-native English speakers who only know grammar and couldn't carry on a conversation if their life depended on it and they only teach out of the book. Before anyone gives me examples of Thai teachers of English who speak the language brilliantly, I am speaking in general terms. Second, because Thais are not exposed to conversational English, they are too shy/embarrassed to strike up a conversation with a English speaker for practice. Third, it is illegal for an ex-pat to volunteer to teach English without credentials and a work permit. Fourth, rote learning, or parroting, does not teach understanding of what someone else says in English. Lastly (I know, there are many more reasons), the whole education system does not take the learning of English seriously, though they do pay 'lip service' and talk about how important it is and still, nothing changes.

Solution: Send a bright group of newly graduated 'uncontaminated by the system' young teachers abroad to learn not only English as spoken by native English speakers but, more importantly, learn how to use Western methods of teaching. Then, bring those teachers back, give them some authority, and send them around the country to educate other teachers in the Western methods. For the teachers who can't or won't change, early retirement or administrative positions for them; they can't be allowed to continue to hobble education in the Kingdom any longer. Each year, send a new group of the best and brightest teaching graduates abroad so, when they return, they can go out and reinforce what previous Western educated teachers have begun. It will take a generation but is not impossible. Rote learning is a dead-head job for teachers and a dead-end for students. Teaching children how to learn is more important than teaching them facts. Critical thinking would also transform this country into an economic powerhouse. One last point, teaching degrees are the easiest type of degree to get in Thailand as well as in the US. Higher standards need to be installed, and adhered to, for those who hold the main responsibility for the future of the country. Ironically, both Thailand and the US have larger than average budgets for education and continue to get less for their money.

Edited June 13, 2014 by rametindallas

[CharlesHH]

-fear of failure, embarrassment.

-see no need for learning much including English.

-not a group or family activity.

-been ok up to now as we are.

If you taught English to nine yr olds as a secret code only they and their friends could use, English would spread like wild fire.

Why have I not become fluent in Thai ? Because I can get by without it.

[NongKhaiKid]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Unfortunately for the country rather than actual students the whole system is flawed from the outset.

Cheating isn't really seen as wrong. Remember the incident at Ramkamheng Uni with Mr. Ts son and the comments of the deputy head who said cheating was not a serious matter.

Students don't really have to fear failure as for many and varied reasons not many do unless an outcast and a real nonentity.

Students get passes and qualifications they didn't earn or don't deserve and the country gets landed with all these ' qualified ' people.

The deputy head of Ramkhamhaeng Uni. said cheating is not a serious matter and now it's OK for Thai students to cheat.

Bill Clinton said BJs weren't sex so now very many high school students in the US give oral sex thinking it is not 'real' sex.

It begins with the leadership.

We can throw corruption into the mix as well as young, usually privileged, Thais see family and influential family friends fix everything for them from passes in exams to trouble with the law.

[chainarong]

You would have to be a recluse in the Tibet mountains not to know this little number , Thailand is possibly the worst of the lot ,even Lao and Burma have better English skills that I have noticed , the poor education system all up is a disgrace ,when you see the type of learning for a degree compared to a western Uni, however , how many times do we have to go through this useless exercise , knowing full well that two things are not going to happen, 1 Better Pay , conditions , introducing degree academics, from other countries, no short cut English teachers and :2 complete change in teaching and methods up to Singapore Standards. Thailand is in no position in dealing with this, so the matter is elementary Dear Watson. 4/10 for trying.

[UbonRatch]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Unfortunately for the country rather than actual students the whole system is flawed from the outset.

Cheating isn't really seen as wrong. Remember the incident at Ramkamheng Uni with Mr. Ts son and the comments of the deputy head who said cheating was not a serious matter.

Students don't really have to fear failure as for many and varied reasons not many do unless an outcast and a real nonentity.

Students get passes and qualifications they didn't earn or don't deserve and the country gets landed with all these ' qualified ' people.

The deputy head of Ramkhamhaeng Uni. said cheating is not a serious matter and now it's OK for Thai students to cheat.

Bill Clinton said BJs weren't sex so now very many high school students in the US give oral sex thinking it is not 'real' sex.

It begins with the leadership.

Ignoring the standards of my posts here, which are generally off-the-cuff, I professionally proofread/edit Master's and PhDs for various universities, including Chula and Mahidol, etc. You wouldn't believe the amount of copying from each other, and plagiarism which occurs at even PhD level... and yes, I'm deadly serious.

Only last week, I received a PhD paper from Assumption and I ran a turnit-in scan. It came back with 38% copied and plagiarised from the Internet !!!

That's the level we are looking at with regards to cheating. Yet, and despite that, all students PASS, with a little backhander to their advisors......

Edit: And let's not forget, the majority of the PhD grads become the next advisors, faculty lecturers and Dept. Heads, etc. and so it goes on!

Edited June 13, 2014 by UbonRatch

[NongKhaiKid]

I have just finished teaching an intensive English conversation course to medical students.

It was a 14 day course with no tests whatsoever. Just pure conversation, fun and games.

The students wrote in their evaluations that "they learnt more in the last 14 days, without the pressure of grades, than in the whole semester.

What I mean to say is that the report is correct in many aspects. Thai students have this fear of getting low grades and this probably influences their confidence and learning abilities.

On a side note...They are all potential surgeons but I hope I never have to be operated on by one of them. Even though the course was fun and games the students cheated a lot by texting messages to each other. If they cheat in fun activities what do they do in their academic studies?

Sent from my SM-G900F using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Unfortunately for the country rather than actual students the whole system is flawed from the outset.

Cheating isn't really seen as wrong. Remember the incident at Ramkamheng Uni with Mr. Ts son and the comments of the deputy head who said cheating was not a serious matter.

Students don't really have to fear failure as for many and varied reasons not many do unless an outcast and a real nonentity.

Students get passes and qualifications they didn't earn or don't deserve and the country gets landed with all these ' qualified ' people.

The deputy head of Ramkhamhaeng Uni. said cheating is not a serious matter and now it's OK for Thai students to cheat.

Bill Clinton said BJs weren't sex so now very many high school students in the US give oral sex thinking it is not 'real' sex.

It begins with the leadership.

Ignoring the standards of my posts here, which are generally off-the-cuff, I professionally proofread/edit Master's and PhDs for various universities, including Chula and Mahidol, etc. You wouldn't believe the amount of copying from each other, and plagiarism which occurs at even PhD level... and yes, I'm deadly serious.

Only last week, I received a PhD paper from Assumption and I ran a turnit-in scan. It came back with 38% copied and plagiarised from the Internet !!!

That's the level we are looking at with regards to cheating. Yet, and despite that, all students PASS, with a little backhander to their advisors......

During my sojourn at a rural university an Australian colleague showed me an essay assignment from a student that had been copied verbatim from a text book and that included references to points that would be discussed in Chapter 3, 6 and so on.

The student concerned had simple copied every word without bothering to exercise care over what he was writing.

[GBK]

I dread to think whats happening in their Air Traffic Control towers then.

[thailiketoo]

No, the primary reason for poor English skills is an aversion to anything foreign. There is a political and cultural fear that English language skills would wash away Thainess. When the government creates an atmosphere of English language immersion this will be eliminated. But, this is Thailand, and that will never happen.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Nonsense. You ever watch Thai TV? Kpop? But right about the government not wanting English spoken. With English comes ability to know the truth. Truth is not big in Thailand right now.

[leggo]

Govt school English departments are often run by teachers who can't speak English properly. Native teachers often have fake degrees and in one school I know of a teacher was employed without being interviewed and it turned out he wasn't qualified. Kids can learn anything if they are motivated and taught in a fun way. Teachers of quality will always be rare on the ground if their salaries aren't good. And it's no good always passing every student just to please the parents so next year they pay and come back - failure at a subject is what it is ,failure but a lot of schools won't accept that. etc etc The whole system has to be overhauled and it's just not going to happen. Let happy everyone!!!

[UbonRatch]

The deputy head of Ramkhamhaeng Uni. said cheating is not a serious matter and now it's OK for Thai students to cheat.

Bill Clinton said BJs weren't sex so now very many high school students in the US give oral sex thinking it is not 'real' sex.

It begins with the leadership.

Ignoring the standards of my posts here, which are generally off-the-cuff, I professionally proofread/edit Master's and PhDs for various universities, including Chula and Mahidol, etc. You wouldn't believe the amount of copying from each other, and plagiarism which occurs at even PhD level... and yes, I'm deadly serious.

Only last week, I received a PhD paper from Assumption and I ran a turnit-in scan. It came back with 38% copied and plagiarised from the Internet !!!

That's the level we are looking at with regards to cheating. Yet, and despite that, all students PASS, with a little backhander to their advisors......

During my sojourn at a rural university an Australian colleague showed me an essay assignment from a student that had been copied verbatim from a text book and that included references to points that would be discussed in Chapter 3, 6 and so on.

The student concerned had simple copied every word without bothering to exercise care over what he was writing.

Quite believable! However, I must make the observation that it's not all like I observed. 100% of the papers I receive from King Monkut's University, especially the scientific ones, are genuine hard work, original and quite unique and way ahead in latest scientific developments. The same can't be said for Chulalongkorn, however!!

[NongKhaiKid]

The deputy head of Ramkhamhaeng Uni. said cheating is not a serious matter and now it's OK for Thai students to cheat.

Bill Clinton said BJs weren't sex so now very many high school students in the US give oral sex thinking it is not 'real' sex.

It begins with the leadership.

Ignoring the standards of my posts here, which are generally off-the-cuff, I professionally proofread/edit Master's and PhDs for various universities, including Chula and Mahidol, etc. You wouldn't believe the amount of copying from each other, and plagiarism which occurs at even PhD level... and yes, I'm deadly serious.

Only last week, I received a PhD paper from Assumption and I ran a turnit-in scan. It came back with 38% copied and plagiarised from the Internet !!!

That's the level we are looking at with regards to cheating. Yet, and despite that, all students PASS, with a little backhander to their advisors......

During my sojourn at a rural university an Australian colleague showed me an essay assignment from a student that had been copied verbatim from a text book and that included references to points that would be discussed in Chapter 3, 6 and so on.

The student concerned had simple copied every word without bothering to exercise care over what he was writing.

Quite believable! However, I must make the observation that it's not all like I observed. 100% of the papers I receive from King Monkut's University, especially the scientific ones, are genuine hard work, original and quite unique and way ahead in latest scientific developments. The same can't be said for Chulalongkorn, however!!

Years back the other newspaper carried a report about privilege etc in education and it was suggested that around 25 % of students at Chula hadn't earned their place. i have no idea how the figure was arrived at but can well believe it.

[stickyrice2000]

The main problem is the students do not have a chance to use the language. They are afraid to speak and embarrass themselves. I have a Vietnamese friend who is good with chatting in English. His speaking and listening skills were poor. I made him read the news out loud and corrected his pronunciation along with it. It took us a while. Once he gained his confidence, he was able to interact with other people.

[cobyau]

So - the main reason Thailand has bad English skills is because when they teach English they have an example of how to pronounce the word using "aksorn thai" <Thai language removed>(Thai characters)

As the Thai abugida and English Alphabet don't share many different sounds - this leads to Thai people omitting and changing the pronunciation of words in many many cases.

Remove that from all of their text books - teach them how to learn using the English Alphabet and also have a shared - common and FORCED transliteration of Thai to English and I guarantee you their English skills will increase greatly!

Edited June 13, 2014 by metisdead
Thai language edited out of post. This is an English language forum, English is the only acceptable language, except in the Thai language forum where Thai language is allowed.

[Deli]

Maybe, but only maybe they will wake up when they lose their jobs in 2015 to Burmese English speakers...

[sprq]

It's not the students' fault, Apitha, it's the system's fault, and the culture's fault. Fix those - ha! - and the students will learn. So forget about it. Thais will always be hopeless at English. Always. Forever.

[IamNoone88]

My mother-in-law does not speak a word of English. How perfect is that.