As usual, I have just returned from lunch and have the desire to write. So here I am. I would like to address the educational system in Thailand.

Ok, so I am teaching grades 7, 8 and 9. They do not pay attention. They speak when I am speaking, they talk on their mobile phones in class, and they all pass notes back and forth to each other. I am come to the conclusion that this is all normal in a Thai school. Well, at least in THIS Thai school. However, the other day I realized that there are some times when the students can talk, and other times where they can not. A student was speaking in class the other day, when another students was giving a presentation, and the Thai teacher grabbed his ear and twisted it all the way around. She held in there for almost a minute, or at least until the student realized what he did and his face turned a stunning shade of scarlet.

Another instance. I was explaining a particular activity and the students were talking as usual. They must have annoyed the Thai teacher because sha came over and cracked him over the head with the microphone. (I have to speak with a microphone) You could literally hear it.

And the last example. Thai students need to take off their shoes when entering teachers offices, lounges, etc, and so most of the students are taking their shoes off and on all day long. Since all students must wear the same exact shoes, every student wears black sneakers. Sometimes, after taking their shoes off and on all day long, they just slide their feet into the shoes (leaving the back bent under their feet) Do you understand? Well, this is NOT allowed. When waiting for the lift with a bunch of students and teachers, all of a sudden I hear this smack. A male teacher ‘spanked’ a boy for not having his shoes on properly. All the students scurried to put their shoes on properly, but he continued to smack all of them.

Very interesting.
Posted by Leigh Nannini on 12/3/03; 8:12:56 PM from the dept.