Why online teaching isn't for me
Speaking to students online just isn’t the same as being in a classroom face-to-face
Like many teachers out there, I found myself suddenly teaching online at home without much preparation time. By the end of week one, I had run into several issues.
Teaching in Thailand post COVID-19
The 'new normal'
What does the future hold for education in Thailand? With the “new normal” in full swing, a “tourism reset” on the way, will there be any other meaningful changes in education, as some are hoping for?
Age - the TEFL killer disease sweeping Thailand
I'm confused as to the type of teacher that schools want.
Perhaps it’s not a teacher that schools are looking for, but clowns masquerading as entertainers? Any school choosing a 22-year old party animal will produce disappointed.
Teacher talk time
What do the students really want?
I think a bit of TTT isn’t a bad thing. It can bring benefits if used correctly. Students don’t want a teacher who chats all class but neither do they want someone talking unnaturally for the sake of saving the odd word here and there.
My thoughts on gate duty
It’s not a punishment. It’s not going to kill you.
Thai students actually really appreciate having foreigners there doing something such as gate duty. Moaning about it makes you look a bit pathetic.
The dreaded teacher burnout
How is it caused and how can you avoid it?
"I'm a new teacher about to start work in Thailand and this will be my first full-time teaching gig. I often see more experienced teachers refer to 'teacher burnout'. Just out of interest, what are some of the things that contribute to such a condition?
I am just dust on the shoes
Postbox letter from David
I am routinely referred to as 'the farang' by a senior teacher. It took a major effort not to tell them to take this job and shove it.
What if you were the Minister of Education?
A fun challenge to see if you, as a teacher, could do better.
Could you create the 'perfect' educational environment? In these positions, you'd have the power over some of the issues facing us every day as teachers, but not all. Some problems can only be addressed higher up the chain, at the ministry level.
In defence of the edutainers
A young teacher's perspective on teaching in Thailand
Most of the English teachers in Thailand seem to be slightly older so it’s understandable that they would view energy, positive reinforcement and affability in the EFL classroom with disdain and denial.
The teacher fashion guide
Dress for success!
If you're thinking of coming to teach in Thailand then don't leave home without reading our indispensable guide to cutting a dash in the classroom. How many neckties do I need? Will the pony-tail have to go? From the moment you walk in the room, you'll be turning heads and not stomachs. On no, not all five Spice Girls please!!!!