Thread: Government Schools (Mattayom) to teach Math and science in English...

I'm down south at an elementary THX. P1-6. I do the P6.

The material I've seen so far is from the Oxford Press, American editions. The only ones here so far are the math, one for each grade level. i really only glanced at them

Originally Posted by russellsimpson

The material I've seen so far is from the Oxford Press, American editions. The only ones here so far are the math, one for each grade level. i really only glanced at them

Thanks Russ, interesting. My wife teaches M5 & M6. When I know what she uses I'll post it.

It seems there are many new initiatives out there this year but from what I have heard regarding "World Class" schools is that about 500 schools were selected this year. They must meet certain criteria to be the "World Class" school and thereby receive a budget for this. One of these criteria is that they must have a program whereby science and math is taught in English though it doesn't stipulate that this must be taught by a native English speaker.

This is not to be confused with "English for Integrated Studies" (EIS) which is similar but with some subtle and key differences; the main one being that it is required to be taught by the Thai teaching staff. In theory, it is hoped that this program will help to develop the English ability of the students and teachers together but it is not proven whether it works in practice.

Some key points of EIS:
1. Teachers are Thai using English as the medium of instruction (in theory) which is supposed to help teachers learn English as they teach.
English for Integrated Studies Project (English for Integrated Studies Project)
With the use of English as a medium of instruction, the fluency of both teachers and students in English as a second language will be accelerated.
EIS: Workplace learning of Non-English speaking Thai teachers (English for Integrated Studies Project)
EIS utilizes non-English speaking Thai teachers to teach the core subjects. These teachers undergo thorough on-the-job-training. This training will be done while the teachers are having their actual classes. On-the-job-training is effective because the teachers "learn more through experience.” The teachers can also learn how to understand and talk in English through their basic knowledge and by utilizing the indigenous resources that are found in the vicinity.
2. Students will be required to find the Thai meaning of English words themselves and do self-learning without complete reliance on the teacher.
English for Integrated Studies Project (English for Integrated Studies Project)
Online computer and software resources allow students self-direction in learning.
Why EIS is different from other bilingual schools in Thailand (English for Integrated Studies Project)
The students will fully understand the lesson by challenging them to find the Thai meaning of the English words. In this case, students will learn how to learn by themselves.
3. Students can ask questions and speak in Thai in class…supposedly, this is supposed to help them better understand and speak English…but teacher must answer in English.
Why EIS is different from other bilingual schools in Thailand (English for Integrated Studies Project)
The students can ask questions using their mother tongue, but they will be answered using English language.
The students will understand the lessons through their basic knowledge and from their mother tongue.

There are to be 200 schools this year, 200 next year and 100 the 3rd, and final, year after that.

I read through a bunch of the literature. Unfortunately, I don't know if it will be very doable, on the ground, here in Thailand. I get that it "worked" in Malaysia (which is a matter of debate) but Thailand (as they'll hurry to point out) was never colonized by a Western power.

English Program, C.L.I.L., World Standards.... something has to work...eventually...doesn't it?

^ My wife will be instructed/trained to be a trainer of the teachers chosen to teach science and math in English. The training session begins right after Song Khran and will last for 10 days. This is in BKK. This should prove to be very interesting, to say the least.

Cheers THX. Please post some of her impressions. I'm curious to hear what she thinks.

^ Will do. I'm very curious as well.

Here's learning outcome one for them: the symbol for temperature is T, not t, that's time. The SI unit is Kelvin, K with no degree sign. Finally, no-one uses the Rankine temperature scale anymore.

Todays Bangkok Post has the official announcement that this program is coming to over 500 schools. The advertisement reads pretty well but sadly we all know its just a bunch of hooey that has not been properly thought out.

Thought I'd give this and bump and update with regards my own school situation.

From what I can determine to date the program has consisted of the school purchasing a shitload of books which have been duly stamped, numbered and registered in about five different logs at various locations in the school.

In terms of the actual teaching implications what the "program" seems to consist of is normal lessons but with certain "terms" being written on the board in English.

Actually that's pretty much what I expected. I never could figure out how folks with almost zero English were suddenly going to start providing instruction in English.

I talked to one teacher who raised the subject with me. She felt that this new approach was a giant leap forward and boded well for the entire education system.

I certainly didn't argue the point with her.

Any other updates from folks involved in schools participating in this new initiative?

Thanks for the update.

Originally Posted by Stamp

At our EP team meeting we declined teaching Science as we think it's impossible. That is, you can't teach Grade 5 Science on the level of EP Grade 5 although that seems to be the intention of the MoE. Our management has given that job to a Regular Program Filipino teacher who was willing to take up the job.