|
|
Post by sam on Apr 10, 2015 23:59:11 GMT 7
Well on the other side there... there are countless stories of salary, where to start, did you hear what they did, can I do this, she wore that, he did what?
Very little about how their uniqueness as an English teacher would improve Thai students.
Always an interesting debate on English Language Learning, the role of grammar vs fluency....This seems a part of the issue...
Speaking issues aside, who generally teaches grammar better, the Thai or non-Thai English teacher?
|
|
pathumseb
Crazy Mango Extraordinaire
I found you at last!
Posts: 1,422 
Likes: 1,515
|
Post by pathumseb on Apr 11, 2015 0:09:17 GMT 7
Well on the other side there... there are countless stories of salary, where to start, did you hear what they did, can I do this, she wore that, he did what? Very little about how their uniqueness as an English teacher would improve Thai students. Always an interesting debate on English Language Learning, the role of grammar vs fluency....This seems a part of the issue... Speaking issues aside, who generally teaches grammar better, the Thai or non-Thai English teacher? Interesting thread, I've been teaching in Thailand for 5 years, so I'll bite on this thread. I think your the answer to your question is that it all boils down to how seriously the native teacher takes his or her job. To be blunt, some snotty nosed back backer is going to be of little use to the students long term. Consistency is important, particularly when teaching young kids who like the same rules everyday, a solid routine and tend to not like constant change. As a native teacher your workload is going to a lot less than any Thai teacher. This can be used to your advantage, use the spare time to differentiate learning activities and make learning more child centered. Part of the problem in the government system is the massive class sizes. Thailand needs to address this because meaningful learning is hard in this environment. As for fluency vs. grammar: I think it's hard to have one without the other. |
|
|
|
Post by sam on Apr 11, 2015 3:06:55 GMT 7
Well on the other side there... there are countless stories of salary, where to start, did you hear what they did, can I do this, she wore that, he did what? Very little about how their uniqueness as an English teacher would improve Thai students. Always an interesting debate on English Language Learning, the role of grammar vs fluency....This seems a part of the issue... Speaking issues aside, who generally teaches grammar better, the Thai or non-Thai English teacher? Interesting thread, I've been teaching in Thailand for 5 years, so I'll bite on this thread. I think your the answer to your question is that it all boils down to how seriously the native teacher takes his or her job. To be blunt, some snotty nosed back backer is going to be of little use to the students long term. Consistency is important, particularly when teaching young kids who like the same rules everyday, a solid routine and tend to not like constant change. As a native teacher your workload is going to a lot less than any Thai teacher. This can be used to your advantage, use the spare time to differentiate learning activities and make learning more child centered. Part of the problem in the government system is the massive class sizes. Thailand needs to address this because meaningful learning is hard in this environment. As for fluency vs. grammar: I think it's hard to have one without the other. As you have seen or know professionalism generally will not come from the Backpacker English Teacher. On to the fluency vs grammar debate, how often have you seen your students, remain quiet because they don't have the correct grammar in the sentence construction? However, when students are utter rubbish, that painful.... Thus, could we try for a bi-lingual fluency? Communication...using both languages... yet somewhat understandable to both as way to engage the student to speak? Songs for the young are fine... yet as you know, many when in the university level still remain at this English level of communication. I would like to see and hear more than the one word sentence in conversation. Class size, yes a major learning block, but of course MOE, will not act.. That is for the private schools with the bucks and parents of influence.. Govt school, pratom, matayom and universities...seem at time.. based on body count.. Another point taken native English Speaking teacher NEST vs Thai Teachers have lighter work loads? I suppose that is not consistent in upper level course and universities... there is so much double standard, you know the drill native speaking English teacher more work double the pay, more resentment among the Thai staff.. Lastly, treatment for large classes 50 plus to a university lecture classes for an English class of 1500... group work... i |
|
