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When in Thailand do as the Thais do.


I have completed my first week of teaching at Anuban Khon Kaen.  It was overwhelming to say the least.  I have been assigned the 1/2 class where they call me Teacher MEshell.  My schedule is as follows:
8:45-9:45
9:45-10:45
10:45-11:45
12:45-1:45
1:45-2:45
2:45-3:45
Mon
Math



English

Tues
Math


Science

Art
Wed
Math
Housework
English

Health

Thurs
Math

Science
English


Fri
Math

English




The gaps in my schedule are where the Thai teacher, Teacher Duey, teaches. 

There are a few things I have learned about the Thai school system since starting teaching on Wednesday:

1. They expect very little from their students (the curriculum is
   about 1-2 grades behind the U.S.)
2. They are all about drill and kill
3. They are very unorganized and never on time

Thai schools are much less progressive than schools in the US.  It is almost as if I have traveled in time to teach first grade in the U.S. in the 50’s.  There is no immersion of subjects and no projects.  After going to school for four years and studying how to combine subjects together to increase the fun in the classroom, this has proven to be a difficult concept to grasp.  

Given these facts about the school system and the curriculum I now have to adapt what I know about teaching to these standards.  It has proven difficult so far but like anything, it will get easier with time. 

Some perks about Anuban Khon Kaen:

1. The children are wonderful and listen well (so far)
2. The teachers are so helpful (even if they aren’t actually   
   helping, they always try)
3. The lessons are easier to plan since you are given a book and a
   workbook for each subject (and are not expected to combine any
   subjects together)

Given everything I have experienced so far in the schools I think it is going to be a great year of teaching!

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