How do you recharge your teaching motivation?

[Rhys]

Well, we have those days, when all does not go well.. Students seem off task, not interested...your attempts to motivate them, however simple, does not work.

You try to find some link that will encourage your students to value their effort and responsibility for the learning... And all you can do is....look at the clock..

You smile at them wish them the best.. and wonder... sometimes it is a pleasure to help the students make sense of English, and use it.. and then other days... for the students who are English majors and don't want to speak or write in English, you just shake your head...and move on.

Conferences are fine, something new, talking with co workers, students, and field trips... all seem like Rx...

What is it that you do... that gets your motivation back...

Cheers.

[lostinisaan]

I found myself switching my music off on my way back home from school, as I couldn't hear anymore noise.

Especially, when I had grade ones all day long.And I love to listen to music when driving.....

My way of dealing with it is "positive thinking." And I finally stopped to look at the clock all the time..

[aarontendo]

Picking up the paycheck and blowing a few bucks on some of Bangkoks fine entertainment. Or take it out on folks in Call of Duty

[attrayant]

This is part of the reason why there's such a high turnover rate for foreign teachers. All we can do is self-medicate (alcohol or worse) and look for after-work distractions, hoping to come back in the next day with a new attitude.

I have a few students who actively seek me out for additional learning or to clarify something that happened in a recent lecture. That usually cheers me up, but it doesn't happen often.

[thequietman]

Six months into this term I finally raised my hands and said, "You win."

I actually stood at the front of the staff room and said it out loud to all present. They just smiled as they didn't know what I was referring to. I was of course letting them know that the system had broken me. My colleagues (foreigners) couldn't believe that it had taken me this long. They had raised their hands two years previous to this.

After five years of trying, striving to do my very best, I had given up.

To be honest, I am a different person now. I'm happier, more relaxed and I take each school day for what it is - a waste of my time and the students. For those students who want to learn, I am there for them. For the others, well, they can move along as I have no interest in trying to make them learn.

As other posters have said, before I would have a beer to calm myself after a week in the Circus. Now, no need for beer and I am much more content. I would advise you all try this method, it is like a new lease of life. The system doesn't care, Krusapa doesn't care, TCT doesn't care, the Thai teachers don't care, the students don't care, the director of the school doesn't care................. and now - neither do I.

Edited March 17, 2015 by thequietman

[nottocus]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

[Johnniey]

This is part of the reason why there's such a high turnover rate for foreign teachers. All we can do is self-medicate (alcohol or worse) and look for after-work distractions, hoping to come back in the next day with a new attitude.

I have a few students who actively seek me out for additional learning or to clarify something that happened in a recent lecture. That usually cheers me up, but it doesn't happen often.

There isn't anything much worse than alcohol, IMHO. But I agree that is part of the reason so few make it a "career". In my 29 years teaching here, I think I have turned Thai in many ways and don't take anything seriously. Also, I seem to get more respect, being able to speak Thai etc. Most of my original colleagues are dead (before 60) or chosen a different career. I found that the young kids is for young teachers and I could only hack that for a couple of years. Change is good - corporate/uni/college. I even taught bar girls in Pat Pong back in the day, They were highly motivated and there wee some interesting perks in that job.

[Johnniey]

Six months into this term I finally raised my hands and said, "You win."

I actually stood at the front of the staff room and said it out loud to all present. They just smiled as they didn't know what I was referring to. I was of course letting them know that the system had broken me. My colleagues (foreigners) couldn't believe that it had taken me this long. They had raised their hands two years previous to this.

After five years of trying, striving to do my very best, I had given up.

To be honest, I am a different person now. I'm happier, more relaxed and I take each school day for what it is - a waste of my time and the students. For those students who want to learn, I am there for them. For the others, well, they can move along as I have no interest in trying to make them learn.

As other posters have said, before I would have a beer to calm myself after a week in the Circus. Now, no need for beer and I am much more content. I would advise you all try this method, it is like a new lease of life. The system doesn't care, Krusapa doesn't care, TCT doesn't care, the Thai teachers don't care, the students don't care, the director of the school doesn't care................. and now - neither do I.

Welcome to Thailand - well said.

I am forever telling the new teachers this but they are intent on making a difference.

[lostinisaan]

Six months into this term I finally raised my hands and said, "You win."

I actually stood at the front of the staff room and said it out loud to all present. They just smiled as they didn't know what I was referring to. I was of course letting them know that the system had broken me. My colleagues (foreigners) couldn't believe that it had taken me this long. They had raised their hands two years previous to this.

After five years of trying, striving to do my very best, I had given up.

To be honest, I am a different person now. I'm happier, more relaxed and I take each school day for what it is - a waste of my time and the students. For those students who want to learn, I am there for them. For the others, well, they can move along as I have no interest in trying to make them learn.

As other posters have said, before I would have a beer to calm myself after a week in the Circus. Now, no need for beer and I am much more content. I would advise you all try this method, it is like a new lease of life. The system doesn't care, Krusapa doesn't care, TCT doesn't care, the Thai teachers don't care, the students don't care, the director of the school doesn't care................. and now - neither do I.

Thanks a lot for sharing your honest words. Honestly, by saying "You win", you were the one who basically won. I figured many things out that I finally sampled all the abnormal experiences, without telling my wife details.

First mistake. You become to a walking bomb.......

When you're dealing with such "baby shit problems " on daily basis and you don't talk about it with your family, there might be a day where you just explode and give all the rubbish to your loved ones, even if they've got nothing to do with it.

" Drowning your problems with alcohol" is one of the worst ways to deal with teaching related problems, as it usually destroys many relationships and if you don't remember what you did/ said the day before, you've already lost the war.

I was so sick and tired of the circumstances having the annoying loud "special program kids", when their Thai teacher turned up, they stopped playing/jelling/screaming and sat there quietly.

They always say: " Khun Kruu Maa Leo", which made me feel like what? Time for a change, or quit the job.

I had to find a solution and finally made them understand that I can also be a "bad guy", without hitting them, which is normal when my co has them.

I took my camera and made some movies where they completely misbehaved, showed it to them, their parents and my Thai colleagues. That was a successful tool for all involved.

You might wonder why it is how it is that foreigners are less accepted as an authority than their Thai counterparts?

The answer is very easy. The Thai teachers do all to make them look better than any foreigner, because they're the ones who lose face.

If something goes wrong, it's always easier to blame a "farang" for it, instead of looking in a mirror.

All in a sudden, they could feel that they had the same teacher in front of them, but with a different view.

And in the end, it's all about how you look at things that happen around you.

Cry if you want to smile and smile when you want to cry.

If you're married then make sure that your relationship is functioning and you talk about everything. Never bring your school problems home and try to see the reality.

Finally, it's not easy to teach English in this country and I still believe that the results in form of some bright students who still honor you many years after you taught them, is worth more than money can buy.

I'm afraid that there's no "do it this", or " do it that way" advise as we're all different.

But life's too short to not enjoy it. I see my life as a way I want to go together with my beloved ones.

If there's a stone in my way, I take the stone away and continue going my way. G'Day to all. -

Edited March 17, 2015 by lostinisaan

[lostinisaan]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

You can't eat money, nor can you have a chat with cash.

[amykat]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

You can't eat money, nor can you have a chat with cash.

You are supposed to go the store, and exchange the money for food .

[ByblosYuNaiSoi]

I never taught here in LOS, but in my many other years of teaching I found it helpful to really forget about work overnight (and plan other mental and physical activity - for me, meditation, reading, TV, exercise, etc).

Then, approach each class with a bit of "beginner's mind," like it's a brand-new experience. Also be ready for ANY outcome. YES, you must have a plan, but strive to be content with however much teaching and learning actually takes place in any one class. So much is really beyond your control: their preparation, their energy level, their motivation to learn. Don't take it all on yourself, because you're only half the learning equation.

Finally, bring your best, which is all you can bring. And for me, that best required a shut-down/restart between teaching days.

[nottocus]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

You can't eat money, nor can you have a chat with cash.

Thanks for that helpful contribution. I knew something wasn't right when I put some money on the sofa and it didn't respond to my banter. So...I ate the bastard.

[Rhys]

One of the other posters and longtimers here.. said it.. I appreciate the students I have helped and have seen their lives turn out well.. and knowing their English skills and life long learning skills were developed during their forming years..and knowing a letter your wrote, or the extra time you gave, or and generous hand up.. on a mark of C+ to B.. made a difference.

It is a bit funny, I have not given up.. however, I do not think of it that way.. Oh, I just say, this term, I am not going to get mad at anyone for anytime.. and move on. I keep my standards.. you come to class, to receive a grade... regardless of who you father is.. Or I throw it...

When all is said and done, we are still educators.. even if it is not necessarily language skills.

Back in the day... the happiest and most challenging was the bamboo hut, dirt floor classroom and class dog at the entrance..watch your backside.. The kids had little.. expectation were low, yet it was truly an enaging time.

[lostinisaan]

One of the other posters and longtimers here.. said it.. I appreciate the students I have helped and have seen their lives turn out well.. and knowing their English skills and life long learning skills were developed during their forming years..and knowing a letter your wrote, or the extra time you gave, or and generous hand up.. on a mark of C+ to B.. made a difference.

It is a bit funny, I have not given up.. however, I do not think of it that way.. Oh, I just say, this term, I am not going to get mad at anyone for anytime.. and move on. I keep my standards.. you come to class, to receive a grade... regardless of who you father is.. Or I throw it...

When all is said and done, we are still educators.. even if it is not necessarily language skills.

Back in the day... the happiest and most challenging was the bamboo hut, dirt floor classroom and class dog at the entrance..watch your backside.. The kids had little.. expectation were low, yet it was truly an enaging time.

I just finished my grades, of course influenced by some super-idiots at my little primary school.

Had all my grades done, but then had to follow the grades made by our discriminator, aeee coordinator, because she teaches the same levels. But she teaches English in Thai, as some other colleagues do.

Okay, got you. Not less than 3. That makes those who really learn English to fools. Now I've spent many hours with my grades for the ordinary classes only to change all of them into something that has nothing to do with their English ability.

Most now have a 3.5, or a 4, but can't even write their name, or answer easy questions. 50 minutes a week, where plenty of hours were cancelled because of some more important stuff that has nothing to do with education.

I truly hope that one of the students who fail in all subjects make it to a doctor and one of their teachers has an emergency and freaks out when her ex- student starts to prepare her for a very serious OP.

The little things all together make teaching to something special, if you're not an <deleted> and look down at them.

I've heard so many stories from foreigners who just "became" teachers" hired by an agency, telling me things like " Thais are damned stupid. They can't even say their names in proper English.

But there're people here for ages who can't even order a noodle soup in Thai, when without "wifey."

Then it's easy to figure out who the idiot really is.

Then I have to "remind them" that I'm married to a very kind and cool Thai woman and love our son, who's not even my biological son who never saw his real dad, because my wife left him when she was pregnant.

We "met" when just turned four and he loves me, even kicked an older guy's ass at a school who's badmouthing my wife, being married to a foreigner.

Please be aware that almost all kids who have a farang daddy, will have a difficult life at school.

Many people already found out that he's different to other 16 year old teenagers. It's not that he'd won a gold medal being the main character in a skit, attending one of the smallest and maybe shittiest high school in Sisaket.

It's the way he's thinking, he's got common sense, knows what's right and what's wrong. A Canadian friend was surprised why our son became friend with his 7 year old daughter in a minute and then said:

I can't believe it that she loves him so much, never happened before. But I can see that you give him love and that's why he's able to give love to other people.

I finally figured out that I'm not only teaching them a language.I teach them something what they don't get from their parents and Thai teachers.

The little noise makers from our "special program" are very difficult to handle, but when you ask them in English what their favorite subject is, 90 % answer it's English.

Then considering their real grades, not pushed up, or changed that it "looks good" and you know why you're doing it.

Just cancelled the school trip to Hua Hin with my colleagues, because I'm happy to have a break. Trying to do useful things, go swimming, a short holiday, visit friends, etc..

Again, it really depends on how you look at a certain situation. Have a nice and long paid summer break.

[jdinasia]

My students are exceptional. In this I am extremely fortunate.

I engage my students with topics that simply aren't covered in normal classrooms.

On those days when I just can't seem to get through to them we do a bit of exercise. 100 push-ups with the incentive of more to come certainly helps (mostly teasing there but it is within my power)

We talk about things like Mechai V's TED talk, the Green School, corruption, drugs, etc.

We talk about Western culture and how it is better and how it is worse.

We talk about motorcycle safety and movies.

I teach to the top 40% of the class and then work my way down to make sure that the basics of the lessons are understood.

I teach 3 hours a week minimum between school terms but get far more free time during the semesters as students often have other things to do.

If you are a teacher that gave up.... Please do your student one last thing. Move on to something else.

[SlyAnimal]

If you want to refresh your motivation/inspiration, then take a break from teaching.

It's the start of the summer holidays now, that usually does it for me, where I'm usually bouncing off the walls by the start of May.

At present I've just had a year off and don't think I've ever been this excited about getting back into teaching.

But the other thing which really motivates me, is speaking to some of my past students. Seeing the amount of appreciation they have for what I taught them, the respect they have for me as a result and seeing them being successful within their own lives is the best motivation possible. But of course it's not always that easy to just bump into past synth dents in 7/11, but the longer I teach in the same school/area, the more likely it'll happen

Also I believe that we all come over here with big ideas, one thing which increased my quality of life while teaching, was to change that idea. To instead aim for small steps, as you can't change the institutional culture overnight by fighting the system, and trying to do so will only burn you out, sour relationships within the school & achieve nothing.

Instead working within the system, and building relationships & respect within your workplace is the best way to achieve positive changes and not destroying what inspiration you have

[Rhys]

One of the other posters and longtimers here.. said it.. I appreciate the students I have helped and have seen their lives turn out well.. and knowing their English skills and life long learning skills were developed during their forming years..and knowing a letter your wrote, or the extra time you gave, or and generous hand up.. on a mark of C+ to B.. made a difference.

It is a bit funny, I have not given up.. however, I do not think of it that way.. Oh, I just say, this term, I am not going to get mad at anyone for anytime.. and move on. I keep my standards.. you come to class, to receive a grade... regardless of who you father is.. Or I throw it...

When all is said and done, we are still educators.. even if it is not necessarily language skills.

Back in the day... the happiest and most challenging was the bamboo hut, dirt floor classroom and class dog at the entrance..watch your backside.. The kids had little.. expectation were low, yet it was truly an enaging time.

I just finished my grades, of course influenced by some super-idiots at my little primary school.

Had all my grades done, but then had to follow the grades made by our discriminator, aeee coordinator, because she teaches the same levels. But she teaches English in Thai, as some other colleagues do.

Okay, got you. Not less than 3. That makes those who really learn English to fools. Now I've spent many hours with my grades for the ordinary classes only to change all of them into something that has nothing to do with their English ability.

Most now have a 3.5, or a 4, but can't even write their name, or answer easy questions. 50 minutes a week, where plenty of hours were cancelled because of some more important stuff that has nothing to do with education.

I truly hope that one of the students who fail in all subjects make it to a doctor and one of their teachers has an emergency and freaks out when her ex- student starts to prepare her for a very serious OP.

The little things all together make teaching to something special, if you're not an <deleted> and look down at them.

I've heard so many stories from foreigners who just "became" teachers" hired by an agency, telling me things like " Thais are damned stupid. They can't even say their names in proper English.

But there're people here for ages who can't even order a noodle soup in Thai, when without "wifey."

Then it's easy to figure out who the idiot really is.

Then I have to "remind them" that I'm married to a very kind and cool Thai woman and love our son, who's not even my biological son who never saw his real dad, because my wife left him when she was pregnant.

We "met" when just turned four and he loves me, even kicked an older guy's ass at a school who's badmouthing my wife, being married to a foreigner.

Please be aware that almost all kids who have a farang daddy, will have a difficult life at school.

Many people already found out that he's different to other 16 year old teenagers. It's not that he'd won a gold medal being the main character in a skit, attending one of the smallest and maybe shittiest high school in Sisaket.

It's the way he's thinking, he's got common sense, knows what's right and what's wrong. A Canadian friend was surprised why our son became friend with his 7 year old daughter in a minute and then said:

I can't believe it that she loves him so much, never happened before. But I can see that you give him love and that's why he's able to give love to other people.

I finally figured out that I'm not only teaching them a language.I teach them something what they don't get from their parents and Thai teachers.

The little noise makers from our "special program" are very difficult to handle, but when you ask them in English what their favorite subject is, 90 % answer it's English.

Then considering their real grades, not pushed up, or changed that it "looks good" and you know why you're doing it.

Just cancelled the school trip to Hua Hin with my colleagues, because I'm happy to have a break. Trying to do useful things, go swimming, a short holiday, visit friends, etc..

Again, it really depends on how you look at a certain situation. Have a nice and long paid summer break.

Grading always a challenge... we make a mistake, they make a mistake, and we catch it.

My talk story on this one... is a bit similar to yours...can't fail them... Not all of them who deserve it.

At a southern university a general English class, with about 3500 students and X labs/classes and 14 teachers... the coordinator submitted grades... 3 versions: T score, standard score, and the generous....oh let's boost the files... take out all the 80%.. they are As already.. then let's start grading...

Actually the first grading scenario had over 500 students failing... some do not come to class, showed up for test only..

The coordinator felt that was too high and the dean would not accept the grade report..

In the end.... only 200 failed.. doctoring the scores...

At least the score are on computer and reports are generated.. so it is punch in the variable and let the calculations begin..

Sad to say, there are some English majors that have managed and play the probation period GPA game extremely well and get by.. then we are faced with students with graduating GPAs under 2.0...

The rationale is always.... no sense in keeping them, let them go... they are going to repeat the same behavior...

The really extremely low performing students are dropped... we tried to establish a 50% passing mark... some cannot reach this... they are in the high 30s...the students in the mid 40s..are some passed on..

The sad part is you have the low performing students with the NEST? A policy... give them the ops to study with a NEST....55555

I decided long ago, when I submit grades to the committee they are going to change what ever...that reflects well...yet ... I chuckle when I see the Calculus teachers posting grades and MANY students fail.... and those grades never changed..

Kudos for the upbringing and nurturing of your son...way to go.

I cover one group of students that are the top percent in all their classes....vague here for reasons.. they are better than the English majors, but of course you don't want a "S" person in a white coat in charge of your health care.

They are a pleasure to teach...they get it.. they know how to study and study as a group..... these students are super motivated...

They have special outside content special speakers come by and give summer programs...it is done in English.

And yes, I was glad...... once, when I was in ER...the MD was one of my former students from long ago.... I felt in good hands... and she introduced herself first as we had practiced so long ago...in communication skills with patients...

Thus we continue, keep our stories, share them and learn from them... Cheers Mates

[redandyellow]

I quit and never went back. Freedom Bro..

[jdinasia]

I quit and never went back. Freedom Bro..

A wise choice for people who are not suited to teaching in Thailand. Some teachers who taught in the West and were awesome there are not suited to teach here.

If I had to teach at a "typical" Thai school I would probably quit too!

[lostinisaan]

I quit and never went back. Freedom Bro..

Granddad died laying on a 19 year old. He came and went at the same time. RIP.-

[lostinisaan]

I quit and never went back. Freedom Bro..

A wise choice for people who are not suited to teaching in Thailand. Some teachers who taught in the West and were awesome there are not suited to teach here.

If I had to teach at a "typical" Thai school I would probably quit too!

Could you please explain what a typical "farang" in Thailand looks like?

Or the typical foreign teacher in Thailand?

Is it more the burned out version who just came from Ko Phanghan with fake dreadlocks, or the intellectual backpacking "agency slave. aeeh teechaa?"

Edited March 18, 2015 by lostinisaan

[aarontendo]

Most of the "teaching" that occurs here is so different from what we do back home (and have been trained to do as teachers). I'm not surprised at all when legit teachers struggle, I've seen that first-hand here and in Korea.

[SheungWan]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

You can't eat money, nor can you have a chat with cash.

Oh yes you can if its enough. You would be amazed how much cra* one can put up with if the money is up there.

Edited March 18, 2015 by SheungWan

[SheungWan]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

Some guys are on rubbish money and think it is good. If it is only good for Thailand that ain't good.

[SheungWan]

Picking up the paycheck and blowing a few bucks on some of Bangkoks fine entertainment. Or take it out on folks in Call of Duty

If hitting the booze is included in that it will just drive a person down further and make that person old before their time. Better to hit the shower and get straight down to the gymnasium. Smack a few punchbags or something.

[SheungWan]

The question for the OP is whether it is just a bad day or a wake-up call that the job isn't right. Even if it is the latter, too many guys are so determined to stay in Thailand that they will continuing wading through all the manure and end up either broken or effectively washed up and endlessly plodding on the awful treadmill. For the younger guys they should get out after a max of two years. There is no point career-wise after that.

[jdinasia]

I quit and never went back. Freedom Bro..

A wise choice for people who are not suited to teaching in Thailand. Some teachers who taught in the West and were awesome there are not suited to teach here.

If I had to teach at a "typical" Thai school I would probably quit too!

Could you please explain what a typical "farang" in Thailand looks like?

Or the typical foreign teacher in Thailand?

Is it more the burned out version who just came from Ko Phanghan with fake dreadlocks, or the intellectual backpacking "agency slave. aeeh teechaa?"

I didn't mention farang, much less attempt to stereotype foreign teachers in Thailand. I mentioned "typical Thai schools" Since I have always been hired directly and have avoided working FT for public schools over the last 13 years.....

[Sawan Chan 7]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

Some guys are on rubbish money and think it is good. If it is only good for Thailand that ain't good.

If they plan to live in Thailand for good then it is good.

Never work in a Prathom or Matyom school - that is for the 'losers', the newbies who can't get anything else. I wouldn't be a dancing white monkey if they paid me 100k a month.

For 1 year to get some experience sure. .

[Rhys]

I remember how much I'm earning and that keeps me going.

Some guys are on rubbish money and think it is good. If it is only good for Thailand that ain't good.

If they plan to live in Thailand for good then it is good.

Never work in a Prathom or Matyom school - that is for the 'losers', the newbies who can't get anything else. I wouldn't be a dancing white monkey if they paid me 100k a month.

For 1 year to get some experience sure. .

We all have to start out somewhere..