Good Private Schools in Thailand

[Dr CJ]

Wow - a lot different views here - however you all have forgot one simple fact - the education system in Thailand is badly broken - whether its Thai-Thai or International... and before you jump and say farang mai khow jai (whites don't understand) let me tell you that I am one of the few white Thai government officers and my job is to evaluate and improve Thailand's ability to think critically and creatively. I have done years of research and even written a book (in English and Thai) pointing out Thais strengths and how they should maximizes their learning environments. Long story short...they continue for the most part to lecture (5% retention) while giving their clients pak chee roi na (window dressing). I have so many stories of both international, bi-lingual and Thai programs passing students on in order to save face. Its about money here - I hold 2 doctorates in education and teach at several post-grad teaching programs and many foreigners who are teachers or going to be teachers don't have a clue about how children learn and a quickie course does not cut it folks - learning is hard! So if you want a good program - insist that your child's teachers have BEd degrees as well as some post-grad training. Finally in all fairness as an American I will openly tell you that the K-12 education system in the States is broken also - I think a little home schooling is great - I have a 7 yr and we work on projects which she will never get in her Thai bi-lingual program. Best of luck on your search. Dr CJ

[stilljustbrowsing]

Hi DrCJ, some things are not forgotten. (I learnt the "12 times table" by rote at my junoir school and by the age of 7 could both recite all, or any part of it)
The education system globally appears to be "degree" driven these days. As a result, all students without a degree are considered to be "of low intelligence" and have difficulty getting employment.
I would love to hear/read, more about your findings and recomendations. (I have the equivalent of a doctorate degree within my specialised field of knowledge)
NB, I failed english at school so please excuse any spelling or grammatical errors.
Learning is only "hard" if the subject is beyond the mental capacity of the student, or if the teacher is unable to convey his/her knowledge in an understandable way to the student. (or the student is not interested, having been told what to do by their parents without the parents asking the student what they think they would like to do.)

[fast eddy]

Yes, stilljustbrowsing,

My respect for you and your views just grows day by day. You too are spot on with your assessment of the teaching world in Thailand. Forming an inquiring relationship with students to encourage them to question and take 'linguisic risks' without the fear of riddicule is critical but is rarely implemented.

Dr. CJ would I love to meet up with you! Where can I buy a copy of your book? I agree one hundred percent with most of your views but I question your belief that only a holder of a B.Ed would be capable of teaching! I have worked with some excellent teachers over my 17 years in esl in Asia and most don't hold such a qualification. I think that we sometimes forget that up until the last 50 years or so most teachers didn't hold any degrees - yet children were educated. As I said Dr. CJ you are a breath of fresh air and have already won my respect. Would love to have a chat with you sometime.

[stilljustbrowsing]

There appears to be too many teacher/school "targets" these days. I have seen too many subjects "dumbed down", just so the school can reach it's "accademic" target.
There is no "one road for all", nor can all students follow "one road". I think we must go back to the "old" system where students were graded on their abilities, based on regular, local examinations and put together in one group according to their apparant abilities. (if the student exceeds expectations, they are up-graded to the next level, if they fail, they are down-graded accordingly)
A "genious" in a class 0f "dunces" is ignored, hence his education is restricted.
A "dunce" in a class of "Geniousses" is also ignored, hence his education is restricted also!
Children are naturally competitive (base animal instinct if you like) It can be used in a positive or negative manner.
As I see it, the attitude is negative. Bring back competition, no-one likes to come last. Those with will-power and determination will improve themselves! As for the others? We always need street cleaners! (I am not being insultative here, make the street cleaners feel proud for what they do by showing respect!)
In short, people generallly have various levels of interlectual capabilities, to assume anyone can be taught anything is stupid.
(despite government "targets")
It is about time teachers were given back control of what they do best. (Sorry for the "rant" but I feel better now!)

[bhakta]

I've been here since 1985. Have three kids born and raised in Bangkok. I've not had the income to afford the international schools, but am satisfied with the La Salle College on Sukhumvit 105 where two of my kids have gone, and with St. Joesphs Bangna on Sukhumvit 108 where my 12 year old daughter attends the English medium program. Definitely the kids learn better manners and character than they would at BKK Pattana, ISB, etc.

[JPWard]

My Girlfriend is a teacher in the "New International School Thailand" Asoke and they are linked with Bath University UK and teach I-GCSE.

I may be biased but I am forever hearing of special events that reflect both Thai and other Cultures as well as issuing all studients with a table pc making lessons homework more organised! Studients are from UK, America, Japan, Austrillia, Thailand, India to name but a few......



Johny

[corky]

As a teacher in Thailand I would strongly advise you to go for an international school with a foreign curriculam
rather than a Thai school.
There is a reason as to why rich Thai people send thier children abroad or to international schools to study.
Look at St.John's, Harrow or just do a search.

no offence to anyone attached to a thai school, but hell yes!!!!!! there are , i am sure, some good thai schools, but you will get nowhere near the quality attainable in an international school.

[iggy1977]

Hey there,

Anyones knows of a good international school in Surat Thani? We would prefer chinese speaking (we are not chinese, we are thai and spanish) rather than just english, and also we would like our children to have a warm and friendly experience at his school age instead of the typical competitive environment. Anything out there?

Regards!
Iggy

[toma]

My niece has been studying in Bromsgrove International School located in Bangkok. In general it concentrates on providing a traditional, academically rigorous education. There you may study English National Curriculum, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, 'Advanced (A) level examination as far as i remember..