The students always enjoy coming to the library and we have all sorts of resources for them to use. Our selection of books and videos is quite good and now we have computers to match. We are so grateful to Teacher Hong and Teacher Peng for updating all of our computers. Thanks!
The short amount of time I have lived in Thailand and taught at the English Programme has been a wonderful journey. This sense of adventure (along with the language’s utility) has motivated me to learn the little Thai language I so far have. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm about language can get lost in the classroom too easily. My grade seven students, however, attacked this unit’s content with the vigor of jungle warriors—and that’s just what they were.
Motivating students to study content in English outside of school can be a challenge. Furthermore, many students have not acquired study skills necessary to succeed in subjects taught by Falang teachers, who often put greater emphasis on critical thinking than what many Thai students are used to. However, one strategy I have found very helpful is study jam sessions outside of school. Before each unit test, I schedule a review session with my students at the local KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) within one of the department stores in town. We complete a study guide, answer any questions students may have, and then enjoy a wonderful meal together. Students receive bonus points and an extra study guide for the test. More importantly, we build community within the class and experience learning in a meaningful way outside of school.
In the third week of this second semester students of Matayom 1 (Grade 7) and Matayom 4 (Grade 10) went out from school to learn firsthand some of the topics being covered in their classes in the English Program at Srithammarat Suksa.
M1 students were studying about international trade as part of their Social Studies course with Teacher Jordan. After having covered renewable and non-renewable resources, sustainable use, imports, exports and international trade students first went to the Nakhon Si Thammarat City Museum. Museum Guides showed the students around the 2 buildings which illustrate the history of Nakhon Si Thammarat from stone age beginnings, through its development as an independent trading empire to its current status as part of Thailand. Teacher Jordan spent time with the students focusing on the displays of past products and exports of Nakhon Si Thammarat, including animal skins, elephant tusks, rhino horns, bees wax, jungle hardwoods and other forest products.
