Thai university students score 7/100 for English test

[car720]

Well, a person that can read, write and is perfect in grammar BUT has terrible pronunciation (you can't tell what they're blabbering on about) is a failure in that language. Period.

And I can have a conversation with an English person, read a newspaper (and know what I've just read), write posts on TV. I have had 6 years of formal English language education. Many Thai people get 10+ years and Yes, No, Goodbye is what they know... It's just the truth...

You must be a very clever man reading your posts on this specific subject in this forum, aren't you?

I didn’t speak a word of English nor could I read the language when I went to the UK when I was 18 years old. Most of my education I received was in the UK and I am grateful for it. The quality of teachers and the teaching materials available made it possible to gain what was impossible to get in my country at that time, Thailand.

When I got married to a man that had to travel in his job as IT consultant I have learned that the proper pronunciation differs, depending on the part of the country you are in. I would advise you to travel from Shetland to Orkney and continue to Liverpool not leaving out Northern England carrying on to Wales and some other parts of the island. You will find that pronunciation is different depending which part of the country you are in and understanding sometimes is even more difficult.

When being over in the US I found it very difficult to understand people when visiting part of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana and sometimes it was impossible.

By saying that you received 6 years of formal English training and Thai receive 10 to 12 years of it, you have already invalidated your argument. In one of your posts you write that you know that some Thai teachers don’t speak English and students that have left that school certainly haven’t gained a formal English education. The Netherlands compared to Thailand is a rich country that has a long history when looking at education and how to apply it. Most of all, they have the money to provide teachers with expertise that can teach the subjects. In the place of Thailand I live, our local school has no English teacher and the person to teach English, which is enforced by the curriculum, has been designated by the head teacher. So the children leaving that school can’t claim to have had a formal education in English as you certainly can.

and your point is????

It would appear that you have found the spirit to better yourself in life regardless of the pitfalls. That, however, has nothing to do with the system here which shortchanges the Thai student, and, if you have travelled as broadly as you say then you will recognize the intent of the comments made here, no matter that they may appear tasteless and frivolous.

[Thai at Heart]

Thais themselves are the reason why they don't learn English. They put more emphasis in form rather than function (in this case communicating - either getting your ideas across or understanding others). Grammar, sentence construction, and pronunciation are more important than communicating. It is so tiring discussing this situation because NOTHING has changed and nothing will change until Thais change their priorities and start really learning.

Adult Thais should understand that they should start learning like a child does. Children learn easily because they are not bound by rules of syntax, grammar or pronunciation.

So when a child says "The octopus wrapped its testicles around my hand." I might smile or giggle a little but I know exactly what the child is trying to say and will probably correct the child and teach the child the correct word - tentacle, instead of testicles.

Well not how they claim to do the test. Writing the English phonetic sounds for a word.

What real good is that in terms of building real communication. It creates a written test for an oral ability. A test which can be passed with no understanding or ability to speak at all. It is as though it is a technique assuming that the students are mute.

No wonder thais can write and read passable but struggle to speak English.

[ThaiUser]

Well, a person that can read, write and is perfect in grammar BUT has terrible pronunciation (you can't tell what they're blabbering on about) is a failure in that language. Period.

And I can have a conversation with an English person, read a newspaper (and know what I've just read), write posts on TV. I have had 6 years of formal English language education. Many Thai people get 10+ years and Yes, No, Goodbye is what they know... It's just the truth...

You must be a very clever man reading your posts on this specific subject in this forum, aren't you?

I didn’t speak a word of English nor could I read the language when I went to the UK when I was 18 years old. Most of my education I received was in the UK and I am grateful for it. The quality of teachers and the teaching materials available made it possible to gain what was impossible to get in my country at that time, Thailand.

When I got married to a man that had to travel in his job as IT consultant I have learned that the proper pronunciation differs, depending on the part of the country you are in. I would advise you to travel from Shetland to Orkney and continue to Liverpool not leaving out Northern England carrying on to Wales and some other parts of the island. You will find that pronunciation is different depending which part of the country you are in and understanding sometimes is even more difficult.

When being over in the US I found it very difficult to understand people when visiting part of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana and sometimes it was impossible.

By saying that you received 6 years of formal English training and Thai receive 10 to 12 years of it, you have already invalidated your argument. In one of your posts you write that you know that some Thai teachers don’t speak English and students that have left that school certainly haven’t gained a formal English education. The Netherlands compared to Thailand is a rich country that has a long history when looking at education and how to apply it. Most of all, they have the money to provide teachers with expertise that can teach the subjects. In the place of Thailand I live, our local school has no English teacher and the person to teach English, which is enforced by the curriculum, has been designated by the head teacher. So the children leaving that school can’t claim to have had a formal education in English as you certainly can.

and your point is????

It would appear that you have found the spirit to better yourself in life regardless of the pitfalls. That, however, has nothing to do with the system here which shortchanges the Thai student, and, if you have travelled as broadly as you say then you will recognize the intent of the comments made here, no matter that they may appear tasteless and frivolous.

The point is that education is like all other products, and it has become a product that isn't universally available for all anymore, is a money problem.

Since for most sectors of the educational system the government takes responsibility it should provide the money that allows levelling the playing field. Quality teachers, a quality curriculum and a will actually to do something and not only providing lip services would be a step into the right directions. I am not alone and there are many that if given the chance could achieve the same what their counterparts in foreign countries do.

Sure it doesn’t help to tell us Thai, everyday that we are inapt or unwilling to learn because most of the children today are not given the chance to show what they could achieve if properly taught.

[MaeJoMTB]

The point is that education is like all other products, and it has become a product that isn't universally available for all anymore, is a money problem.

Since for most sectors of the educational system the government takes responsibility it should provide the money that allows levelling the playing field. Quality teachers, a quality curriculum and a will actually to do something and not only providing lip services would be a step into the right directions. I am not alone and there are many that if given the chance could achieve the same what their counterparts in foreign countries do.

Sure it doesn’t help to tell us Thai, everyday that we are inapt or unwilling to learn because most of the children today are not given the chance to show what they could achieve if properly taught.

You were given the chance, but are still making many mistakes.

So your point is?

PS

'What' and 'got' are invariably wrong.

'Sure' is also highly suspect.

Avoid using when possible.

Edited May 22, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The point is that education is like all other products, and it has become a product that isn't universally available for all anymore, is a money problem.

Since for most sectors of the educational system the government takes responsibility it should provide the money that allows levelling the playing field. Quality teachers, a quality curriculum and a will actually to do something and not only providing lip services would be a step into the right directions. I am not alone and there are many that if given the chance could achieve the same what their counterparts in foreign countries do.

Sure it doesn’t help to tell us Thai, everyday that we are inapt or unwilling to learn because most of the children today are not given the chance to show what they could achieve if properly taught.

Yes, but it's not just a money problem. Thailand already spends quite a bit on its education system.

Unfortunately, a lot of that get put into wasteful/corrupt uses, and doesn't really end up benefiting the students or the teachers. Dubious Chinese tablets, overpriced/lousy sports fields, skims off capital projects and even textbook purchases.

And in the end, no matter how much money is spent, you'll still end up with an education system that's entirely illegitimate and unaccountable, run by people who seem to have no apparent real interest in fostering actual learning and achievement by their students.

There's so much wrong with the entire system from top to bottom -- including unmotivated students, uncaring parents, outdated/inept teachers and the whole education bureaucracy -- it's hard to even imagine where to start in making it better.

Edited May 22, 2015 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[bubblegum]

Fact is English is not used here a lot by normal Thais. I would say its far more important to teach them other skills. However doctors and others that need it for their job should be taught better. But to say that everyone has to learn English here in a country where its almost not used. Why.. just some extra stuff they will never use.

Only to make some farangs happy that can't speak Thai themselves ?

Mind you I am talking here about Somchai in the motorcycle shop or Mai in the 711.. not Nung behind the counter of a hotel. Its not needed for everyone, so a lot of time is wasted. Just put extra effort in those who need it and forget about the rest.

I remember I had to learn to speak German, I hated it.. even though the Netherlands and Germany were trade partners many of us would never use German. So it was easy for us to dump it after a year or so. The same should be done to English for those who don't need it. There are enough resources wasted in Thai education why make it worse.

I am of course 100% against passing everyone that is crazy for any subject.

Rob, we're talking about Uni. students, not Somchai.

[bubblegum]

Ever hear Yingluck speak English?

[brewsterbudgen]

Ever hear Yingluck speak English?

She's better than the current "PM".

[lostoday]

The point is that education is like all other products, and it has become a product that isn't universally available for all anymore, is a money problem.

Since for most sectors of the educational system the government takes responsibility it should provide the money that allows levelling the playing field. Quality teachers, a quality curriculum and a will actually to do something and not only providing lip services would be a step into the right directions. I am not alone and there are many that if given the chance could achieve the same what their counterparts in foreign countries do.

Sure it doesn’t help to tell us Thai, everyday that we are inapt or unwilling to learn because most of the children today are not given the chance to show what they could achieve if properly taught.

Yes, but it's not just a money problem. Thailand already spends quite a bit on its education system.

Unfortunately, a lot of that get put into wasteful/corrupt uses, and doesn't really end up benefiting the students or the teachers. Dubious Chinese tablets, overpriced/lousy sports fields, skims off capital projects and even textbook purchases.

And in the end, no matter how much money is spent, you'll still end up with an education system that's entirely illegitimate and unaccountable, run by people who seem to have no apparent real interest in fostering actual learning and achievement by their students.

There's so much wrong with the entire system from top to bottom -- including unmotivated students, uncaring parents, outdated/inept teachers and the whole education bureaucracy -- it's hard to even imagine where to start in making it better.

What do you do to make a football team better?

[masquerade]

“The students nowadays fail because they just don't give a shit about studying and reading and they know that if most of the class fail, the whole class will still pass to the next course and finally graduate. Why? Coz you can't fail students in this country and make them repeat classes,” Wright said in the post.

The problem of the Thai education system in a nutshell.

+ 1.

Nothing will change until there'a complete overall haul of the system and that's not going to happen because it suits everybody the way it is.

A few years after the Asian Economic Community comes into being, Thais will have their eyes opened at how disadvantaged they are (self imposed). Much poorer countries such as Burma, Laos, and Cambodia produce students whose English proficiency should shame Thailand into action. At the moment, they are shielded but when AEC fully kicks in, they will get a rude awakening. I don't think their IQs are especially low but the common Thais are academically lazy. When they are being house boys or maids to educated Indonesians, maybe they will insist their children do better in school. Of course currently, the schools are more day-care than education institutions.

Anyone or anybody that has zero commonsense cannot have a healthy IQ.

[bendare]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10310550_736794273047371_4989611721628505328_n.jpg?oh=ca5ee96f33d212b3ff34de0e8a73f2f8&oe=55C720C2&__gda__=1438644636_b5f36eaa5603bb82b28a00f629114403

[lostoday]

Anyone or anybody that has zero commonsense cannot have a healthy IQ.

I don't think you are supposed to flame fellow members like that.

[Mr Somtam]

Well, a person that can read, write and is perfect in grammar BUT has terrible pronunciation (you can't tell what they're blabbering on about) is a failure in that language. Period.

And I can have a conversation with an English person, read a newspaper (and know what I've just read), write posts on TV. I have had 6 years of formal English language education. Many Thai people get 10+ years and Yes, No, Goodbye is what they know... It's just the truth...

You must be a very clever man reading your posts on this specific subject in this forum, aren't you?

I didn’t speak a word of English nor could I read the language when I went to the UK when I was 18 years old. Most of my education I received was in the UK and I am grateful for it. The quality of teachers and the teaching materials available made it possible to gain what was impossible to get in my country at that time, Thailand.

When I got married to a man that had to travel in his job as IT consultant I have learned that the proper pronunciation differs, depending on the part of the country you are in. I would advise you to travel from Shetland to Orkney and continue to Liverpool not leaving out Northern England carrying on to Wales and some other parts of the island. You will find that pronunciation is different depending which part of the country you are in and understanding sometimes is even more difficult.

When being over in the US I found it very difficult to understand people when visiting part of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana and sometimes it was impossible.

By saying that you received 6 years of formal English training and Thai receive 10 to 12 years of it, you have already invalidated your argument. In one of your posts you write that you know that some Thai teachers don’t speak English and students that have left that school certainly haven’t gained a formal English education. The Netherlands compared to Thailand is a rich country that has a long history when looking at education and how to apply it. Most of all, they have the money to provide teachers with expertise that can teach the subjects. In the place of Thailand I live, our local school has no English teacher and the person to teach English, which is enforced by the curriculum, has been designated by the head teacher. So the children leaving that school can’t claim to have had a formal education in English as you certainly can.

Always the excuse thatThailand is poor. thailand is actually very rich, only problem is the money is in the hands of a couple of people, most of whom we can not criticise. If Thais would stand up for their rights they could have a very good education system. Instead they are mostly busy playing Facebook, going to wats for lucky lottery numbers or watching Thai lakorn.

[Mr Somtam]

Well, a person that can read, write and is perfect in grammar BUT has terrible pronunciation (you can't tell what they're blabbering on about) is a failure in that language. Period.

And I can have a conversation with an English person, read a newspaper (and know what I've just read), write posts on TV. I have had 6 years of formal English language education. Many Thai people get 10+ years and Yes, No, Goodbye is what they know... It's just the truth...

You must be a very clever man reading your posts on this specific subject in this forum, aren't you?

I didn’t speak a word of English nor could I read the language when I went to the UK when I was 18 years old. Most of my education I received was in the UK and I am grateful for it. The quality of teachers and the teaching materials available made it possible to gain what was impossible to get in my country at that time, Thailand.

When I got married to a man that had to travel in his job as IT consultant I have learned that the proper pronunciation differs, depending on the part of the country you are in. I would advise you to travel from Shetland to Orkney and continue to Liverpool not leaving out Northern England carrying on to Wales and some other parts of the island. You will find that pronunciation is different depending which part of the country you are in and understanding sometimes is even more difficult.

When being over in the US I found it very difficult to understand people when visiting part of the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana and sometimes it was impossible.

By saying that you received 6 years of formal English training and Thai receive 10 to 12 years of it, you have already invalidated your argument. In one of your posts you write that you know that some Thai teachers don’t speak English and students that have left that school certainly haven’t gained a formal English education. The Netherlands compared to Thailand is a rich country that has a long history when looking at education and how to apply it. Most of all, they have the money to provide teachers with expertise that can teach the subjects. In the place of Thailand I live, our local school has no English teacher and the person to teach English, which is enforced by the curriculum, has been designated by the head teacher. So the children leaving that school can’t claim to have had a formal education in English as you certainly can.

and your point is????

It would appear that you have found the spirit to better yourself in life regardless of the pitfalls. That, however, has nothing to do with the system here which shortchanges the Thai student, and, if you have travelled as broadly as you say then you will recognize the intent of the comments made here, no matter that they may appear tasteless and frivolous.

The point is that education is like all other products, and it has become a product that isn't universally available for all anymore, is a money problem.

Since for most sectors of the educational system the government takes responsibility it should provide the money that allows levelling the playing field. Quality teachers, a quality curriculum and a will actually to do something and not only providing lip services would be a step into the right directions. I am not alone and there are many that if given the chance could achieve the same what their counterparts in foreign countries do.

Sure it doesn’t help to tell us Thai, everyday that we are inapt or unwilling to learn because most of the children today are not given the chance to show what they could achieve if properly taught.

I am absolutely nowhere blaming Thai students, I blame the education system and the dinosaurs they have working there called teachers. So does my Thai wife by the way. "Thai teachers can't teach " iswhat she often says.

[thailand49]

Thank you for speaking the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. This is a so call University, given this same test to students in a public school, you would be lucky to get 1.

Yes, it is a joke but I'm sure the Thai official can turn the table around and deflect the problem. In the end, nothing changes even when their own people say it must.

[Chao Lao Beach]

students cant fail a degree, is this correct? whats the point of having one then? it would mean nothing apart from student managed to pay for course for four years

Yes it is correct, students are not allowed to fail, simple as that.

[tomacht8]

With 7 points from 100, students must repeat the subject matter and have again a test have passed.
50 points are sufficient to pass.
No pain no gain.

[Anthony5]

Fact is English is not used here a lot by normal Thais. I would say its far more important to teach them other skills. However doctors and others that need it for their job should be taught better. But to say that everyone has to learn English here in a country where its almost not used. Why.. just some extra stuff they will never use.

Only to make some farangs happy that can't speak Thai themselves ?

Mind you I am talking here about Somchai in the motorcycle shop or Mai in the 711.. not Nung behind the counter of a hotel. Its not needed for everyone, so a lot of time is wasted. Just put extra effort in those who need it and forget about the rest.

I remember I had to learn to speak German, I hated it.. even though the Netherlands and Germany were trade partners many of us would never use German. So it was easy for us to dump it after a year or so. The same should be done to English for those who don't need it. There are enough resources wasted in Thai education why make it worse.

I am of course 100% against passing everyone that is crazy for any subject.

Was English much used by the population in The Netherlands at the time you went to school?

I don't think so, though I'm sure you got English classes and probably a third language as well.

Edited May 22, 2015 by Anthony5

[The manic]

There are two IELTS tests. One is academic and requires analysis of graphs etc and one does not. Both tests have equal value. Some unis require 6.5 others 8. Band 7 is typical. The UK border agency requires 6 or 7 for residency permits or B1 CEFR. A1 or Band 5 IELTS is Good Bargirl English. Most Bargirl speak better English than foreigners speak Thai

[The manic]

So a foreigner says Electric city instead of electricity. So what? You know what they mean. Discourse is a two way street.

[The manic]

No. Speaking/ pronunciation is just one of 4 skills that make up a language. Grammar is not a skill. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are the four skills of a language. It usual to be stronger in some areas. Many foreigners speak Thai but do not read or write it.

[brewsterbudgen]

There are two IELTS tests. One is academic and requires analysis of graphs etc and one does not. Both tests have equal value. Some unis require 6.5 others 8. Band 7 is typical. The UK border agency requires 6 or 7 for residency permits or B1 CEFR. A1 or Band 5 IELTS is Good Bargirl English. Most Bargirl speak better English than foreigners speak Thai

You're a little out of date - for UKVI visa purposes (the Border Agency are no more), there is now the A1 and B1 IELTS Life Skills test which only has speaking and listening components. IELTS have the contract for UKVI A1 & B1 tests worldwide, except in the UK where it is Trinity. Tier 4 student visas still require the Academic IELTS (5.5 for the visa, but most universities require significantly higher for admission). General Training IELTS is mainly for employment and, for the UK, will probably now be largely redundant due to the new B1 Life Skills test

[uptheos]

students cant fail a degree, is this correct? whats the point of having one then? it would mean nothing apart from student managed to pay for course for four years

Yes it is correct, students are not allowed to fail, simple as that.

Remember that the next time you're diagnosed or charged a mint by a lawyer.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

There's so much wrong with the entire system from top to bottom -- including unmotivated students, uncaring parents, outdated/inept teachers and the whole education bureaucracy -- it's hard to even imagine where to start in making it better.

What do you do to make a football team better?

I'm not entirely sure how...

A - hiring Jim Harbaugh or

B - deflating footballs and spying on the opposing team's practices (i.e., cheating)...

is going to cure the ills of the Thai education system.

[krdowney]

One poster claims that all Thai students who study abroad pay bribes which is just ridiculous. If students don't pass the basic requirement for TOEFL or IELTS, they don't get accepted unless they take remedial courses. Also just because someone passes these exams doesn't actually mean they can fully communicate. The majority of the exams are comprehension based. So a student can do excellent in one section and poorly on the other and still pass with a high enough score to get into university.

Losttoday the other thing you get is a lot of conjecture. Many posters aren't actually involved in education and those that are have a very limited perspective. You also call a lot of people professor. Sorry but that is an earned title and the majority of those that teach at university here aren't actually ajarns, they are just called that to be polite.

I am one of the ajarns that say some students who study in the US pay bribes. First: I have an MA and PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MA from University of Chicago. I won't name the school where I teach, but it is one of the top three universities in Thailand--and I don't teach English language. I'm a damn ajarn, buddy. Two, not everyone bribes their way into schools. I write recommendations for very talented students who go on to good schools in the US, Europe and Australia. But if you are going to pretend that many of the more fortunate students aren't buying their way into private schools in US and Europe by making sizable donations to their endowment or building funds, then maybe you should talk to agencies here who help place students in these schools and arrange these "donations". Personally, I don't care if they do it. Stupid is as stupid does. But there is no point in denying it.

[BngkkB]

A while back when they were considering making English a required second language, the idea was shot down by some big wigs on the basis is that people would think Thailand was occupied by the British in its early years? Sorry I do not remember the specifics. But at the time I remember thinking that makes a great excuse by people in a position of power that can not speaking English to validate their short commings.

[The manic]

Oh. I did not know IELTS administered anything at all. It is an exam administered by the British council and the Australian Universities. The A1 A2 B1 etc is part of the common European framework and is administered as part of Cambridge ESOL suite and city and guilds plus other examining bodies. However you are correct about new skills for life and other changes. I did not know the UK borders agency had changed its name again

[retsdon]

You can't blame the students. If you want to know what's wrong with Thai education, just look at this absurd test.

[gk10002000]

I really can't tell from the article what level of proficiency or education was expected. These are not uncommon words, but some are a bit tricky and would be challenging for a person not very familiar with English. receipt? "i before e, except after c"? Debt. Really, a silent b. Vacuum. I bet a lot of native English speakers would spell that wrong.

[JohnThailandJohn]

His post has been shared by 1,110 times and a lot of Thai Facebook users added their comments, criticizing Thai students. None said bad thing about Wright.

Most said this student has definitely watched Wright’s English teaching program.