Lessons Learned
English is the official second language
of Thailand because the government
believes it is essential for Thailand's economic
growth and development. However,
because many Thai teachers have limited
backgrounds in English and few materials
to work with, instructional strategies
are needed that are simple enough for all
teachers attending the workshops. In addition,
English materials had to be purchased, donated,
or prepared by teachers to supplement the one
workbook provided for students.
To be effective in teaching, one must
observe the culture, experience the teachers' attitudes
and abilities, and focus efforts in areas
where they will most likely have an impact. As a
result, we identified Ihe following strategies for
providing the help needed:
1. Value the local culture, and incorporate it
into teaching wherever possible. The books
written by the teachers about their lives will
resonate with the students and provide motivation
for learning English. The activities
that offered fun and action in the classroom
setting fit into the lifestyle of the teachers and
students.
2. Avoid judgments about the lifestyles of other
cultures in planning a curriculum. Don't think
that a country that is 95% Buddhist would
not have Christmas celebrations. Don't suppose
that all English teachers in Thailand
could read a book that is designed for high
school students in the United States. Survey,
observe, and adjust the curriculum to the cultures
of those in the educational programs.
3. Identify program participants with extraordinary
skills and motivation and provide extra
help for them, in whatever ways possible.
Thai teachers enjoy dramatic activities
Remember these individuals will be the leaders
after you have completed delivering your
programs, and they need to be nourished.
4. Present activities that teachers can replicate.
Buying the latest and presumably the best
computer-generated materials and explaining
how they work is of little value if the equipment
to power these materials is not there or
not working properly.