A wise and trusted guide and advisor.
How else do we inform ourselves of what we know about children?
Probably the one that counts the most, as teachers in Lertlah, are the experiences and first-hand accounts of the people who have gone through the program before.
Coming to Bangkok, we never really knew how things would be like. We had three weeks to prepare, and we were given resources and year-end assessments, however, having had no experience with Thai children, we had a lot of difficulty figuring out what things may or may not work. We literally needed to get in there first to get a feel for who the children were and what they were capable of.
We're fortunate that there are people in Campus 2, where I am placed, who have done what we're doing and have plenty of experience teaching Thai children. One of them is Tina Allan, who is now in her third year at Lertlah School. She has now moved on up as our Academic Leader, and is responsible for many things. Primarily, she serves as a mentor for the new teachers, providing assistance, guidance, feedback, and lesson modelling. Tina also does a lot of administrative duties -- she does our observations, checks lesson and exam outlines, organize teaching resources, and deals with academic or behaviour concerns.
Tina has a BA and a BEd, majoring in Dance and French. She has also specialized in Special Education.
ME: What was your first year teaching Thai children like? What about now?
TINA: My first year at Lertlah was in 2003-2004 and I taught P1. The first few months were extremely challenging, I had shed a few tears and even walked out in the middle of a class. I honestly didn't think that I was going to survive the year. I had contemplated on many occasions about throwing in the towel and jumping on the next plane home. The students were unruly and the School at that time didn't have any supports put in place. If the job wasn't challenging enough, the school at that time didn't have any curriculum, resources or supplies and it was a revolving door of teachers. Fortunately, the stubborn and proud side of me decided I can do this and completed the year!
I consulted my teacher friends at home and they generously mailed me some resources and some supplies that I could use! I made everything that I needed and set up a routine. Eventually, the students started to come around and I grew to enjoy my students and my class. I had learned a lot about myself, personally as well as professionally, during that year. I truly believe that it made be a better teacher and prepared me for the even more challenging years that were to follow in Canada!
Now... I truly enjoy teaching at Lertlah. I have taught, over this last year, students all the way from Nursery up to M3. Most of the students are wonderful and are truly happy to be at school, which is a welcome change from working two years at an inner city school. It's still a challenge, but then again teaching in general is a challenge.
Me: What are some things (i.e. techniques) that work for you, discipline-wise, lesson-wise, or anything?
- Use lots of visuals and actions
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Develop a routine and stick to it
- Establish rules and expectations and be fair and consistent when reinforcing them
- Plan hands-on activity based activities
- Try to make curriculum content relevant to students
- Avoid giving punishments, focus on the positives
- Students love games... make up your own that reinforce lesson objectives!
- Have your lesson well structured in your mind... consider all possible outcomes good and bad. If there is the possibility of an unfavorable outcome, adjust your lesson.
- You may have to adjust your teaching style to meet your students' needs.
How has teaching in Thailand given you a new perspective?
Teaching in Thailand has enabled me to develop my skills as a teacher. It has aided me in becoming patient, flexible, and understanding of students' needs. I also feel that I am more self-reflective..."that lesson didn't work, what can I do better next time?" or "that behaviour is unusual, what's going on?" If I don't know the answer, I ask questions and do some research! With my gained knowledge and experience, I now feel confident in standing up for what I believe in and doing what's best for all those involved.
What is your opinion on Thai children at Lertlah school in general?
In general the students are happy to be at school and they are happy to see you. In my experience the students go out of their way to say hello to me and communicate with me.
If you could give the new teachers a message about teaching in Thailand, what would that message be?
Be flexible and patient! The skills you will develop as a teacher here will benefit you in your future career. It's hard work, but it's also an adventure of a lifetime.
I have contemplated following Tina's footsteps and staying here at Lertlah for more than the ten months our contracts stipulated. I wouldn't mind at all!
"“Mentor: Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight."
- Anonymous
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