Can you recommend me some books?

**Newbie123** · 4th December 2005 18:43

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend me some books that might be helpful for teaching EFL. I've never taught before, only have a BA and MA, and I'm planning on arriving in Bangkok some point next year. I can't afford a course but would like to be as prepared as possible, so any pointers in terms of reading material would be great.

**russellsimpson** · 5th December 2005 11:00

I think its going to depend on what age level and subject you are teaching.

If you haven't taught before, even with that MA....well, I'd try to find a course, even a short cheapy is better than nothing.
It seem like the "New Interchange" and "Passages" series (Jack Williams) is popular in Thailand.

I teach young 'uns and focus quite a bit on Phonics....I find Up and Away to be the best series for this.

One thing...If you're outside of Bangkok you'll want to bring the books with you as access is very difficult outside Bangkok.
There are a lot of very experienced teachers on the forum so you should get some good information. It's a long weekend here so maybe tomorrow will bring you some better response. :smile:
Good luck

**theent01** · 5th December 2005 17:31

hmmm, I remember Wangsuda posting some very informative sounding books, but that was a while ago. Try a search for "teaching books" or something like that.

**Milkman** · 5th December 2005 18:22

Originally Posted by Newbie123

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend me some books that might be helpful for teaching EFL. I've never taught before, only have a BA and MA, and I'm planning on arriving in Bangkok some point next year.

Books on the communicative approach, and basic EFL teaching techniques can be very helpful.

Practical Techniques is helpful in the beginning for many:

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/312...lance&n=283155

I can't afford a course but would like to be as prepared as possible, so any pointers in terms of reading material would be great.

Collins Cobuild

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/000...lance&n=283155

Keep Talking

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052...lance&n=283155

5 Minute Activities

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052...lance&n=283155

Reflective Teaching

Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/052...lance&n=283155

These have been helpful to me. There are many others, of course.

**jonny danger** · 5th December 2005 18:42

Here's some sound advice: learn about English grammar first.

**Milkman** · 5th December 2005 18:46

Originally Posted by jonny danger

Here's some sound advice: learn about English grammar first.

I agree 100%.

Once you learn the rules, you have to model/say when it's OK to use it, and when it's not.

And when a student will ask a question about usage you'll need to come up with a good answer, model it, and use an example.

My first year I got stumped once or twice (probably more). I specifically remember these. Ouch!!

I gaurantee you one thing: it didn't happen again.

Credibility....

**isanity** · 5th December 2005 18:58

"How to Teach Speaking"- Scott Thornbury.

**keegan** · 5th December 2005 18:59

agree. a grammar for speaking book would be good.
anyone know of one?

**Newbie123** · 6th December 2005 03:07

thanks for the suggestions - that's great. i'll check them out on amazon.

**ben bradley** · 6th December 2005 07:45

a good book about games and activities in the classroom would probably be one of the most valuable things you could buy/read vis a vie teaching in Thailand .

wish i had one .

**Unwell** · 6th December 2005 08:45

scrivener, learning teaching.

harmer, the practice of english language teaching.

these should help you out somewhat...

**MisterStretch** · 6th December 2005 11:55

I agree "Harmer" is a solid book.

Also, "At the Chalkface", the unofficial handbook for the CELTA course is a good one.

Byrne's "Techniques in Classroom Management"

and Ridell's "Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language".

For Grammar, Raymond Murphy - older editions are actually better than recent ones.

Having suggested all of the above, do a course. The difference in your ability to teach, manage a class and be happy with your working life will be greatly enhanced if you do.

Good Luck

Incidentally "Can you recommend me some good books" isn't a very good start to your English teaching life.

"Can you recommend some good books for me", 'cause it is the books you want recommended, not you.

**jonny danger** · 6th December 2005 12:14

Dear 123: Recommend a book to me. Recommend me means I should recommend you to a book. Can't be done. Get a grip. If you talk like that to a long-time English teacher he'll file your CV you-know-where.