British graduates to help students in 45 Thai provinces speak better English

[harrry]

It would help more if people already here were able to volunteer to help their children's school.

[Peterbkk7]

I hope the British graduates don't go back too disillusioned after their mission.

[toybits]

It has been proven many many times that immersion is the best way to learn a language. Just look at those women at Pattaya. They have learned survival English and can communicate with their clients. When the student feels he/she needs to learn, he/she will find a way. The problem is that - that need to learn is nowhere to be found. The environment in which these students exist is not conducive for learning English. After the UK students leave, who will the Thai students sapeak (sic) with? Their Thai Teachers are not capable of Engaging their students is English Conversation as they (the teachers) themselves are not proficient in English conversation. So in the end, nothing changed. Students are still unable to speak English, but what an experience it was for the UK students.

In the End, the Thai Teachers loose face because they don't talk good English like the UK students. So the whole experience to me has a negative impact.

The better way would have been to improve the capabilities of the Thai English teachers so they take credit for whatever success they would have with THEIR students.

[noahvail]

Seems to me I've read this same OP (plus some of the same responses) for four years now. Of course some names are different, but the essence remains the same. In that time, Thailand as slipped in comparison to its ASEAN colleagues. There may be some Brits who, in their idealism, decide to return to Thailand to teach; but I fear the majority will return to the UK quite disillusioned.

[dageurreotype]

"Thai students’ English skills are not inferior to those of other countries" said Duriya Amatavivat, That's all !!!!

Even my mae baan says Thailand has the worst English speaking skills in the region. Oddly, many Thais, including her, are sending their offspring to Malaysia and Singapore to learn English. I'm guessing that's because the Thai teachers are so lousy at it.

[dageurreotype]

It has been proven many many times that immersion is the best way to learn a language. Just look at those women at Pattaya. They have learned survival English and can communicate with their clients. When the student feels he/she needs to learn, he/she will find a way. The problem is that - that need to learn is nowhere to be found. The environment in which these students exist is not conducive for learning English. After the UK students leave, who will the Thai students sapeak (sic) with? Their Thai Teachers are not capable of Engaging their students is English Conversation as they (the teachers) themselves are not proficient in English conversation. So in the end, nothing changed. Students are still unable to speak English, but what an experience it was for the UK students.

In the End, the Thai Teachers loose face because they don't talk good English like the UK students. So the whole experience to me has a negative impact.

The better way would have been to improve the capabilities of the Thai English teachers so they take credit for whatever success they would have with THEIR students.

Are you suggesting the Thais send their children to prostitute themselves in order to better communicate (in 'bar girl' speak) English???

[Thian]

Upperclass Thai send their kids to the USA or Canada or Switzerland. I would do the same.

[toybits]

It has been proven many many times that immersion is the best way to learn a language. Just look at those women at Pattaya. They have learned survival English and can communicate with their clients. When the student feels he/she needs to learn, he/she will find a way. The problem is that - that need to learn is nowhere to be found. The environment in which these students exist is not conducive for learning English. After the UK students leave, who will the Thai students sapeak (sic) with? Their Thai Teachers are not capable of Engaging their students is English Conversation as they (the teachers) themselves are not proficient in English conversation. So in the end, nothing changed. Students are still unable to speak English, but what an experience it was for the UK students.

In the End, the Thai Teachers loose face because they don't talk good English like the UK students. So the whole experience to me has a negative impact.

The better way would have been to improve the capabilities of the Thai English teachers so they take credit for whatever success they would have with THEIR students.

Are you suggesting the Thais send their children to prostitute themselves in order to better communicate (in 'bar girl' speak) English???

Oh deary dear. Please read the post again. If you do not understand my post, perhaps it would be a good idea to relearn your English.

[bheard]

I recently 'helped out' at a weekend seminar which was about secondary school level Thai teachers of Science and Maths teaching their subjects in English.

This was a Thai govt initiated pilot program.

A great idea, but totally flawed of course as the students they are teaching have little or no understanding of English. In this case you've got to start at the bottom, get the English knowledge into tjhe students, THEN develop the program from there.

Result to be? No students learning their science and maths!

[empireboy]

"Thai students’ English skills are not inferior to those of other countries, but we lack the courage to communicate with native speakers......

Are you serious?! I think a lot of people would disagree! Including me!!

[empireboy]

"Thai students’ English skills are not inferior to those of other countries" said Duriya Amatavivat, That's all !!!!

Even my mae baan says Thailand has the worst English speaking skills in the region. Oddly, many Thais, including her, are sending their offspring to Malaysia and Singapore to learn English. I'm guessing that's because the Thai teachers are so lousy at it.

Just about all the surrounding countries are better at it! Not a criticism just an observation!

[ratcatcher]

Seems to me start with the teachers.

And i hope they will teach English spoken around the world like American English.

Many times it is difficult to understand English with its many accents spoken. Kind of like Australian accent.

In my eyes the international English is American English.

Sorry folks !!

American English may be the international English "in your eyes". However when it comes to "in your ears", American English can be just as accented and difficult to understand as regional British.

I am sure a guy from Durham or Cornwall would be just as easy to understand as a guy with a Cajun or Appalachian accent.

Neither do most English men do not speak like Prince Charles or Michael Caine.

And not from your post but an earlier one, there is no such creature as a Russian native speaker. Native speakers come only from countries where English is the dominant language.

The most formidable task in English teaching apart from the grammar which Thais teach quite well, is getting the students to ask questions, something they are terrified of. Questioning someone in authority is hard to grasp.

[johncat1]

I have been teaching in Thailand for 11 years and have never met an undergraduate that is capable of teaching Thai students. For most undergraduates it is just a game to say they have been a teacher in Thailand, This has been going on for years with American gap students. .....Gain the confidence of Thai students then " playtime over " and piss off back to their own countries

[johncat1]

9 weeks ? I have been teaching here for 11 years and still do not understand the Thai system of education. What chance has a wet behind the ears with no experience of Thai students got ?

I see many of these student teachers ( I use the term loosely ) they have no idea how to teach.

Also it takes time to built up a teacher / student relationship. These graduates will build up trust with their Thai students then piss off back to England once their little teacher experience game is over. Then they can tell all their friends they were teachers in Thailand. This is not something new, American gap year students have been doing it for years. They do more harm than good.

[Nigeone]

It would help more if people already here were able to volunteer to help their children's school.

I agree totally..what's more In my experience if your in Thailand 24/7 you need something to occupy your time be it a few hours a day/week..I had a great time introducing English to some young students in Lamphun and found it really rewarding...At the time I didn't know it wasn't strictly legal as I did it for no fee..and indeed would do it again...I was asked would I go to a small school in Lamphun area each week ,they didn't have much money they said to pay me, and if my circumstances hadn't had a drastic change I would have been happy to do so and for free...One thing I did do with the few I did teach was to take them around BIg C and just teach them the names for all the items whose names we take for granted..quite a eye opener as to what they didn't know the name off. Like everything is a truck in Thailand etc...if the authorities had half a brain they would address this issue...but we know it's not going to happen !! On another note but still under the topic I am a qualified advanced Basketball coach with 35 years experience and could do a really good job in Thailand with the young teens but can't because of stupid regulations..it's sad as they are losing out in so many ways and I'm sure there are many more ex pats with great skills which could be utilised. Edited July 6, 2015 by Nigeone

[Jay Sata]

"The programme aims to build up motivation through new styles of teaching. The students can enjoy classes while learning. "

Now that really would be something, students enjoying classes! Perhaps the new-style of learning actually involves the students, allowing them to participate and actually ask questions!

-- The Nation 2015-07-06

I'm sure the average Thai ' English ' teacher involved with he programme will ensure their authority in class isn't usurped in any way and that there's no lasting ' adverse ' ideas passed on by the native speakers.

For their part the graduates will have to ' trust ' their input is faithfully translated which for several reasons is unlikely.

And sadly the Thai 'English' teachers are unable to speak English themselves.

I have come across so called Thai Phd English teachers unable to have a conversation with me so how can they supervise students and teachers?

[laislica]

If these graduates / undergraduates have no experience of Thai schools they may be in for a very big surprise and it won't necessarily be a pleasant one.

Cracks and papering over comes to mind.

I hope that the British authorities give special "awareness training" to the graduates along the lines of how easy it is to get in trouble in Thailand.

Such as - do not hire motorcycles, jet skis, zip lines, alcohol and low balcony rails etc.

Cannabis and other recreational drugs that may still be in their systems from a use outside Thailand etc.

I hope that the Thai Hosts, provide guides to accompany and take care of the graduates.

The graduates could do worse than studying this series:-

Anyway, good luck to all and please be safe.

[spidermike007]

Why not have a continuous program of say 1000 English teaching graduates each year. Yes English people from the UK.

Pay for their flights and pay them a reasonable wage. About 30k baht a month. This could benefit both peoples. English programs here would see a huge boost here year on year out. The English students would gain experience which would help them in the years to come. The cost would be very small as part of the Thais education budget.. A proper program could then be implemented across the country.

Yes Americans could be involved too. The biggest problem I see is the ever changing teachers of English in the classrooms. No set programs etc. Stability would help.

What you are suggesting requires common sense, reason, effectiveness, vision and clarity of purpose. That is why it will not happen.

[brewsterbudgen]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

The British Council will see to this, as they do for all their teachers.

[billphillips]

The schools will take pictures of the classes and declare the program a success.

PS: The best way for Thai students to learn English is to send them to the UK.

I disagree with that. Go to any bar area in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui etc. etc. and you will find many of the lowly, uneducated staff that can speak very passable and clear English. I suspect that the reason is .... that they have a clear need and desire to do so. It's also a fact that the aforementioned staff have no fear or qualms about asking questions of their customers, unlike the teaching system in the schools here that discourage the practice.

[kaorop]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

The British Council will see to this, as they do for all their teachers.

You've seen all this firsthand, visas, wp, waivers all done before the 9 weeks are up?

Just a nice way to attract gov funding me thinks.

[brewsterbudgen]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

The British Council will see to this, as they do for all their teachers.

You've seen all this firsthand, visas, wp, waivers all done before the 9 weeks are up?

Just a nice way to attract gov funding me thinks.

Not first hand but I do a lot of work with the Council. I would imagine they have some sort of arangement with the Ministry of Education/Employment to ensure these kids are working legally. The British Council tends to do things by the book.

[xisa]

I recently 'helped out' at a weekend seminar which was about secondary school level Thai teachers of Science and Maths teaching their subjects in English.

Please refer to the below possible repercussions for "helped out for a weekend" AKA working.

Offence:

Working without a work permit in Thailand

Punishment:

Imprisonment for up to 5 years

Fine ranging from 2,000 Baht to 100,000 Baht

Deportation

Blacklisting

[xisa]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

The British Council will see to this, as they do for all their teachers.

Given the parameters of:

..142 English teaching assistants...

...a nine-week programme...

...It will last until the end of August..

and I doubt very seriously that 142 work permits will have already been issued for a temporary 2 month assignment.

Particularly when the issue is wholly ignored and goes entirely unmentioned in any of the related information.

.

Edited July 7, 2015 by xisa

[Nigeone]

that could be funny as its usual for,one half not to know what the other half is doing...anybody open a 'book' on odds of a student getting detained for working without a permit...

[brewsterbudgen]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

The British Council will see to this, as they do for all their teachers.

Given the parameters of:

..142 English teaching assistants...

...a nine-week programme...

...It will last until the end of August..

and I doubt very seriously that 142 work permits will have already been issued for a temporary 2 month assignment.

Particularly when the issue is wholly ignored and goes entirely unmentioned in any of the related information.

.

You may well be right. But in my experience the British Council do things by the book and have close relationships with Thai government departments. It's quite possible that an arrangement might be made to temporarily cover this work. I would be very surprised if the British Council, which is (partly) a UK government organisation, would cut corners and jeopardise its relationship with the Thai government.

[MaeJoMTB]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

British Council employees don't need work permits.

Special dispensation from the King.

[harrry]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

British Council employees don't need work permits.

Special dispensation from the King.

Link to prove your imagined "fact".

British Council Employees indeed do need work permits however as this is a joint government project there are provissions that can mean that works permits for these students are not needed.

[brewsterbudgen]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

British Council employees don't need work permits.

Special dispensation from the King.

Link to prove your imagined "fact".

British Council Employees indeed do need work permits however as this is a joint government project there are provissions that can mean that works permits for these students are not needed.

In this situation, there is no provision in the law whatsoever for these foreigners to be working without a work permit ergo work permits are always needed.

Unless special exemptions are made, like most likely in this case.

[harrry]

A lot of work permits to be issued in the coming days?

British Council employees don't need work permits.

Special dispensation from the King.

Link to prove your imagined "fact".

British Council Employees indeed do need work permits however as this is a joint government project there are provissions that can mean that works permits for these students are not needed.

In this situation, there is no provision in the law whatsoever for these foreigners to be working without a work permit ergo work permits are always needed.

Unless special exemptions are made, like most likely in this case.

The Alien Business Act foresees some exemptions. Some occupations do not require a Work Permit:

1. Members of the diplomatic corps or consular missions, as well as their family and personal servants
2. Representatives of member countries and officials of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, as well as their family and personal servants
3. Persons who perform duties on missions in the Kingdom under an agreement between the government of Thailand and a foreign government or international organisation
4. Persons who enter the Kingdom for the performance of any duty or mission for the benefit of education, culture, arts, or sports
5. Persons who have been received special permission from the Thai government

THis comes under article 3 or 4 or 5 so may I ask what you reference to there is no provision is.