Most Thai Students Afraid To Work In Other ASEAN Countries: Survey

[Mod]

Most Thai Students Afraid To Work In Other ASEAN Countries: Survey

BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 (NNT) – A recent survey by Chulalongkorn University has revealed that most of the Thai education personnel and students are afraid to work in other ASEAN countries, citing language as the barrier.

According to a survey by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education, 70-80% of education personnel in Thailand have very little knowledge on the ASEAN Community, which is set to be established in 2015. Most do not know about government policies concerning the ASEAN integration.

Chulalongkorn University also stated that many educational institutions do not receive any supporting budget or any clear policy to prepare them for the ASEAN Community.

Meanwhile, 8 out of 10 students surveyed said they are afraid to work in other ASEAN countries as they have a language barrier. On the contrary, most ASEAN students are eager to work in Thailand.

Thailand currently draws in several ASEAN students in the vocational fields. The university expressed its concerns that if the ASEAN integration takes place in 2015, many Thais, especially new graduates, will become unemployed.

NNT 2012-05-30

[isanbirder]

Yet another argument for a radical overhaul of Thai English teaching methods.  When the teachers themselves, in many cases, will not speak the language they are supposed to be teaching, what would you expect?

[Vombatus]

Thailand hasn't got a cat in hell's chance of meeting the standards they have signed up to (English second language in ASEAN group).

Just spend one day in Cambodia (particularly Siem Reap) and see the difference.

I agree with IB about teaching standards but I doubt that the need for a radical overhaul is recognised, let alone accepted.

[gotlost]

Its all about face. They are perfect just ask them.

[Starman]

The "overhaul" of English teaching has been going on for over 14 years, to my knowledge. The Thai Government are well aware that Thailand ranked 9th out of 10 for English proficiency in ASEAN. What was their response?

Now all Native English teachers that would like to teach English in Thailand must hold a Bachelor in Education regardless of how long they have already been doing the job.

This has resulted in a mass exodus of teachers. Where are they going? Cambodia and Laos, where they are made more welcome, the salaries are on a par if not better and the Education system has a clear plan in place for the year 2015 when it all happens.

Never mind eh?

[Vombatus]

The "overhaul" of English teaching has been going on for over 14 years, to my knowledge. The Thai Government are well aware that Thailand ranked 9th out of 10 for English proficiency in ASEAN. What was their response?

Now all Native English teachers that would like to teach English in Thailand must hold a Bachelor in Education regardless of how long they have already been doing the job.

This has resulted in a mass exodus of teachers. Where are they going? Cambodia and Laos, where they are made more welcome, the salaries are on a par if not better and the Education system has a clear plan in place for the year 2015 when it all happens.

Never mind eh?

That 'welcome' includes ease of visas etc

[isanbirder]

Native speaker teachers are only a small percentage of the overall English teaching staff.  Yes, one or two big schools in each town may have them, but what about all the rural Mathayom, let alone Prathom?  This is where the majority of the students go... and where the teaching standards need overhauling most.

But of course the teachers know best... ever heard a Thai teacher admit he's wrong?

[Starman]

I undersatnd what you are saying IB.

The thing is that in one breath the Education minister says that they need 10000 more Native English speakers, some to teach teachers. The next minute they not only make it difficult for newcomers to start  but also difficult for those with years of experience to stay.

The best case was this.....................

The Government announce that they are making a rule that all Native Speakers must have the BEd. No execeptions.

The following week the education minister announces that the country should employ backpackers to fill the void.

Classic case of left and right hand and so on.

[isanbirder]

Unfortunately the last person to know anything about education is the Education Minister.  He is simply a career politician allocated a cabinet-rank job.

By the way, I have a Cambridge MA, and an RSA Dip TEFLA (Diploma in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language to Adults)... and taught for several years at Chiangmai University..... but by Thai standards I'm not qualified to teach!