We all know that to teach English in Thailand, the candidates need a TEFL certificate. Moreover, to work in Thailand as English teacher, the candidate would need a teaching license in Thailand and finally, he or she would also need a work visa for Thailand. While passing the TEFL test is the candidate’s prerogative exclusively, the employer often manages to obtain the other two permits for the candidates. However, all these are hard, cold paperwork. What about those little, soft skills which differentiate the average teacher from the great ones?
These qualities vary, depending on the location, the demography of the students, the subject being taught and other factors. In Thailand, for teaching English, the first thing you need is to be gentle. Teachers are revered figures in Thailand and Thai people are sensitive. They wouldn’t handle well if this revered figure suddenly becomes harsh or rude. For example, Thai students are not very comfortable when asked to speak English and they might repeatedly slip back into Thai language. Don't lose your patience. That's the key.
Secondly, Thai people tend to become bored very easily and thus, your lessons should be entertaining and interactive. You need to think of and formulate newer ways of incorporating lessons of English into fun activities. Dry lectures wouldn’t take you far in this. You need to think of real life situations and ask them to take part. Or you might think of little games which can strengthen their English.
These qualities vary, depending on the location, the demography of the students, the subject being taught and other factors. In Thailand, for teaching English, the first thing you need is to be gentle. Teachers are revered figures in Thailand and Thai people are sensitive. They wouldn’t handle well if this revered figure suddenly becomes harsh or rude. For example, Thai students are not very comfortable when asked to speak English and they might repeatedly slip back into Thai language. Don't lose your patience. That's the key.
Secondly, Thai people tend to become bored very easily and thus, your lessons should be entertaining and interactive. You need to think of and formulate newer ways of incorporating lessons of English into fun activities. Dry lectures wouldn’t take you far in this. You need to think of real life situations and ask them to take part. Or you might think of little games which can strengthen their English.
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