Hi! I haven't posted for a while, so I guess I should catch up. However, the main reason I haven't posted is because there's not a lot of post worthy information. But, never fear! There are some interesting oddities about teaching Thai students that will allow you to enter my world a little bit.
First: is talking in class acceptable? Yes. Well, for Thai teachers anyway. It's such a battle to get some of these kids to HUSH!
Second: is sleeping a better option? For Thai teachers . . . yes. They would rather students sleep than talk. I guess the idea of actually listening to the teacher hasn't entered their minds yet.
Third: What time does class start? The schedule says 8:00, but my teacher doesn't take attendance for the first 15 minutes, so that means class starts at 8:14 and 50 seconds. However, if class is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, I can still come 1 hour and 20 minutes after class starts. (I have had a student do this and he was so shocked when I kicked him out of class.)
Fourth: Top excuses for missing class: I overslept because A) I was playing online games all night long or B) I had too much to drink the night before. Traffic jams, illness, or staying up late working on an assignment aren't used very often.
Fifth: Copying . . . you mean it's wrong??? Students will copy off of each other's homework, assignments, quizzes, tests, or exams. You name it. Helping a friend is more important.
Sixth: materials for class include: the student sitting in his/her seat. Paper, pencils or pens, and even books sometimes don't make the list.
Don't get me wrong. I really like my students. But there are just somethings that shock me . . . even after being here for a year and a half. However, to their credit, when someone does crack down on them, they usually respond well. If I can get some of them to be better students, I'll be happy. :) Just another side of culture that you don't get to see everyday :D.
Also, Joel and his family are coming to visit me! Well, as long as it stops snowing. They'll be here for 4 days!!! YIPPEEEE. I haven't seen any family in eight months, so this will be a huge treat!
Have a wonderful day.
1 comment:
I loved the 5th and 6th conditions for class. "You mean copying is wrong? That is what I never understood about my teachers, they just didn't get the idea of friendship. Also class essentials, I loved this one. Just show up, like Me, Myself, and I most important thing is Me.
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