January 21 - 27

The lifelong journey of learning

THAI TESOL

Thai TESOL has been working on behalf of Thailand’s English language teachers for twenty-one years now. Back in 1981 it started out in a borrowed room at the AUA. But, like many a humble acorn, as the years went by it grew, spread branches and matured. Its brief, to put it simply, is to promote ELT practice and professionalism throughout the realm. Over the years it has developed a variety of strategies to go about this crucial but daunting task.

Activities

Members of the association can enjoy an impressive array of activities and opportunities. These include:

● Conferences, seminars, and special interest groups

All kinds of specialized training workshops are on offer, everything from computer assisted learning to literature and testing. Significantly this teacher training is not restricted to Bangkok. Thai TESOL puts an emphasis on taking the message to where it is needed, namely the provinces. Teachers upcountry have less access to resources and training. Increasingly Thai TESOL is arranging workshops around the country to support career development.

● Scholarships and travel grants

Thanks to close cooperation with organisations like Bells and the British Council, funding is available for teachers to upgrade their skills at colleges and universities both at home and overseas.

● Newsletters and bulletins

These provide a much-needed corridor of communication, as well as new ideas and teaching tips. Publications include Thailand’s professional ELT Journal and Focus, edited by Sonthida Keyuravong.

● Educational Programmes on UBC’s Channel 13

● International affiliation, discounts and other benefits

Thai TESOL is not only linked with the other TESOL organisations in East Asia, but has worked very closely with teachers across the border in Laos. Key trips to Vientiane by Thai TESOL committee members led to the inauguration of Lao TESOL.

For the future, Thai TESOL plans to expand into distant learning programmes, web-based learning and more special interest groups. To find out more about Thai TESOL’s range of services log onto http://www.thaitesol.org

Astoundingly, there are NO paid workers at Thai TESOL! All of these activities, projects and publications are staffed by volunteers. Teachers, who are already busy with full time jobs, magically juggle the hours in a day, finding time to make a difference.

Currently there are 700 paid up members, although many more benefit from the training days and knock-on effect of good practice.

Recognition

After twenty-one years of this golden service it seems right and fitting to learn that Thai TESOL has won an award itself! As soon as the curtains come down on this year’s AGM, Ajarn Suchada Nimmanit is flying off to London on behalf of the Thai TESOL membership. She will be accepting a prestigious prize at the famous Royal Society. Nominated by colleagues down at the British Council, Thai TESOL has won the World Aware 2002 International Award for Effective Transfer of English Language Skills.

This honour is given to non-profit organisations in the developing world that have made a significant contribution to sustainable development in English language education. The award attracts tremendous media coverage and Thai TESOL will be able to use the esteemed World Aware logo.

Making the Most of the Conference

Ajarn Chaleosri Pibulchol

With 17 speakers at any one time, how do you put your visit to maximum use? Ajarn Chaleosri Pibulchol, the Vice-President of Thai TESOL and Editor of the conference handbook, kindly gave learning post some helpful hints.

Familiarise yourself with the map and floor plan upon arrival.

Circle the presentations in the programme most appealing to you.

Then cross-check your choice with the information on speaker abstracts and bio-data. This will help you whittle down to a short list.

Always have a second and third choice in mind in case something goes wrong.

Take time to browse through the publisher’s exhibition, (the book stalls).

Networking is as much a benefit as the plenary and keynote seminars. So make time to share your ideas and opinions with other participants.

Lastly and most importantly: enjoy, enjoy enjoy!

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