Thread: English Program English Books

I teach Grade 4 in an English Program and beside English I teach Maths and Health. The books for both these subjects assume the student has first language familiarity with English, yet we teach English as a second language. Thus a grade four book assumes the students are elementary level and there is nothing that truly develops their fluency and comprehension.
I truly believe that we should be introducing English books used in the U.K., U.S., Australia etc for English Programs to be truly successful.

Too true, BOF. The MEP I work in uses age-appropriate US textbooks just for that purpose. The good is that my students experience a whole new level of English and about one-third of my class has dramatically improved their English abilities. Additionally, the different layout of American textbooks (more pictures, more activities, the availability of interactive websites) makes learning more enjoyable. The bad is that the parents (and a good many Thai teachers) cannot understand the books - therefore, the books are either too hard or not good. Sometimes, it is difficult to open schools up to new methods of education.

Good point. Say the math books we select for next year's M1 and M2 have the right curriculum for Thai students at that level. But a text designed for native speakers at that age and level will assume far too much skill in English.

Sure, after almost a whole year, my M1 students are whizzing through worksheets that the non-MEP classes struggle with. That's because they have 9 hours per week, 3 subjects, taught by native speakers of English. Now I'm about to teach them the simple past, but in effect we already taught it to them for 36 weeks. They're 3 weeks ahead of the other classes in studying the Thai textbook for English (which is all in English). They can write short essays or long paragraphs. In math and science, they can ask questions in English.

So, for the second year that students have been in EP or MEP, they should be ready for native speakers' textbooks. But not their first year.

I found that quite a lot of Thai ESL school books were written by Plilippinoes, presumably for Philippino students. Or perhaps chosen by the schools because they were cheaper than than American/British alternatives.

Originally Posted by wangsuda

Too true, BOF. The MEP I work in uses age-appropriate US textbooks just for that purpose. The good is that my students experience a whole new level of English and about one-third of my class has dramatically improved their English abilities. Additionally, the different layout of American textbooks (more pictures, more activities, the availability of interactive websites) makes learning more enjoyable. The bad is that the parents (and a good many Thai teachers) cannot understand the books - therefore, the books are either too hard or not good. Sometimes, it is difficult to open schools up to new methods of education.

I am proud to say my kids attend an EP program that follows the curriculum wang is talking about. As a matter of fact they just called me to say they could buy copies of next years books for half price today. 1000 baht a book for three instead of 2000 baht a book. Some of the best money I have ever spent.

Originally Posted by ajBA

I found that quite a lot of Thai ESL school books were written by Plilippinoes, presumably for Philippino students.

As opposed to being written by a dyslexic???

I agree with you 100% on this issue. I don’t know how these Thai teachers and admin can tell the difference between pure crap and quality material. Though, they in the end agree that materials brought in by most foreign staff as better quality. They aren’t willing to budge, but continue to relay on their books. Even Thai students agree also.

Originally Posted by peelieorion

I'm sure most schools select their books on the basis of the suppliers generous discount.

It's completely arbitrary at our school. Huge numbers of books have been purchased with generous kickbacks in play.

I use US Open Court, Blackline Masters series given to me by my brother.

^Those textbooks all go unused.