Welcome Sir Enzo!

This post is dedicated to the newest contributor of the blog, Sir Enzo! And just for the record, Sir Enzo is the very first Filipino teacher at Buddhachinaraj School in Phitsanulok. 

To get to know more of him, here is his superb introduction that he sent me through facebook.

In the Spanish culture of pride wherein the continuity of name matters most, I am named after my father LORENZO believing that the last born son will be the bearer of the the only legacy he can bestow upon his children, so therefore I am baptized with the name - LORENZO M. CABALLES, JR. , the youngest among 7.

Birthplace: Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
In a little secluded place of that humble abode called Bentahon, I was born and raised. Enveloped by austere way of life, my childhood was that of a typical innocent little boy where every full moon becomes a joyous occasion in the neighborhood because my elder brothers and sisters with their friends gathered in the wide yard to play "patintero".

I never know, there was a wide wide world out there. Back then, TV was a totally foreign object and to ride in a jeepney was a heaven. "Lampara" was the only thing we had to illumine our nights. What we had was a small battery operated transistor radio where I used to listen to radio soaps and from there I got familiar with the song - "yesterday".

Birthday: May 26
It is always a special day when this day comes. Just as the flowers of May blossom and children go to the chapel to offer flowers for the Virgin Mother of God, I was blessed to be born on the 26th, after surviving the intentional act of abortion of both parents which was done to save my dear mother as she wasn't feeling right while she was conceiving me.

Pretty sad story but I bet, by now they are just so thankful they didn't succeed of getting rid of me. Don't you think so? :)

Experiences:
After having successfully battled the roadblocks of a student life, right after graduation, I was given the opportunity to work in a private institution in the heart of Butuan City. The school is named: Enfant Cheri Study Centre, Inc. In the entire 6 years of my stay in that school, I have given everything I have just so to make myself an effective teacher. Good enough that I have gained the trust of my employers, the respect of the parents and the love of my students. God has blessed me with several recognitions in school, division, regional and even nation wide being one of the 2010 Outstanding School Paper Adviser of the Philippines.

Thailand:
I first stepped on the grounds of the Kingdom of Thailand on April 12. After a month-long stay in the district of Mae Sot, Tak, God provided a job opportunity at Buddhachinnarajpittaya School in the city of Phitsanulok.

Life has been great by God's grace. I met many Filipinos who in their own way shared their journey in Thailand which inspired me in an enormous way.

Life here has become so colorful with the friends around - Filipinos and Thai people alike. My students have taught me to become a better teacher and a better individual by stretching out my patience in the longest way I could. They too, add spices to my Thailand experience just like their foods which have now become my favorite.

Foods:
And speaking of foods - as they say, Thai people eat everything. In all the numerous variety - let me spell out my favorite: KWAY TIYAO and will it ever be... 

In behalf of all the contributors of this blog. We warmly WELCOME you!

Getting Started

Great things start from small beginnings...

I am reminded of a Milo commercial way back my childhood school years every time I use this tag line. Back then, it was just a favorite line that I hum every now and then simply because I find it's tune catchy and light. I was oblivious of it's meaning until I realized that the line is after all very deep and profound.

Humble Beginnings...

Even as a kid I have wanted to be a school paper writer. I have wanted my name to be printed out in a school magazine and my pictures to appear in its pages just like those of my neighbor's classmates whom I secretly admired because they got published in the paper. With that inspiration, I forced my parents to enroll me in that private school in the nearby town hoping that one day, I too, will read myself in the publication.

Little did I know that a freshman is seldom given an opportunity to write not unless with an exceptional writing ability. But from a boy who graduated from a little "barangay" school, my senses told me, I am too far to be even called "good". I have expected too much of myself. The year ended without even me having to get a glimpse of the publication office. And the worst scenario came, I needed to move to a public school due to financial constraints. I have to bid goodbye to that seemingly elusive aspiration.

To my surprise, the opportunity to write was given to me in my new school. I became a staff and eventually joined contests in journalism. I had some triumphs but there were too much disappointments. I didn't even have the chance to join a regional competition and so I thought, I am not a "WRITER."

But just the same, I continued to write. In college, I continued the passion for writing and even landed a post in the editorial board. Eventually, I graduated with a special citation in journalism which I considered as a culmination of a childhood dream.

The campus journalism experience is a significant part why I landed a teaching job right after graduation. There, I pursued my love for writing by training my students in the same battle as I had gone through in the earlier stage of my life. For six years, we were blessed to be hailed as top performers throughout the whole region which paved the way to the most coveted recognition I have received during the 2010 National Schools Press Conference held in Tagum City.

Blogger: Beginner...

Starting this blog is never an easy one too. Language barrier is a major problem that hindered me to get started as soon as I received the invitation. Considering the most appropriate topic is another thing...but just as I have always believed - Great things start from small beginnings...

More thoughts...

With everything that happens now in our beloved Mother Land. Why did I choose to write about this seemingly insignificant topic about beginnings? Simply put, I am a beginner in this blog thing. I don't want to relive the moments on that fateful day back home which created big big scar of our being a Filipino. I want to inspire those who consider themselves as beginners.

Greater things await you... all you have to do is take that very significant first step.

Now.

Deo Florence L. Onda's thoughts of the Philippine Hostage Tragedy

Here's a thought from my friends' friend on what he felt about the Philippine Hostage Tragedy.

Deo Florence L. Onda: 

In statistics, 1 out of a million is insignificant. We DON'T deserve to be insulted by all. We never insulted a race despite the fact that many Pinoys come home everyday DEAD! after being RAPED, HARASSED, KIDNAPPED, MALTREATED, MURDERED, MOCKED and others by other races... THEY don't have the right to tell us who we are. I condemn violence, but I CONDEMN MORE RACISM!When we do good things, no one really cares. When we commit mistakes, everyone and everything reacts. I Challenge the nations to look into their sides of the fence first before defining who we are in their perspectives. Being called the "Worst nation/country" in its generalized sense is a form of racism. I'm proud of my blood and I'm proud of my race. And hearing Filipinos condemning our own country is even more depressing. They could have asked themselves first of what they have done and contributed to make this nation a better place, before they even bother ranting about the things they don't want but they are experiencing. And as if this kind of event, i.e. hostage taking, police taking out of control, is not happening somewhere else in the world. They are judging us AS IF WE ARE REALLY THE WORST NATION AND THE WORST PEOPLE on earth... If we are the STANDARD OF BEING THE WORST then what would you call those nations who are putting forward WAR killing more and more people at the expense of the less powerful nations? Why not condemn those nations monopolizing the market and world politics leading to the aggravation of conditions of poverty and unequal distribution of wealth? Why not condemn those nations that produce the highest amount of greenhouse gases which leads to global warming affecting EACH AND EVERY organism living in the surface of the planet? They are putting us on the spotlight because in reality they envy us AS A PEOPLE, as a NATION, as a RACE. We have undergone so much hardships and trials, but we made through it as one. They envy us because in whatever conditions they put us in, We still make it to stand on our own and be proud that we are Filipinos. They envy us because even if we are geographically separated, we can call our nation PILIPINAS and us the people as MGA PILIPINO. If their sense of judgement is being based on a single act, I PITY THEM. It just suggests how little part of their brain is working. Because we are living an ever changing world and everything in another time will be changed. If this is their standard to exhibit RACISM, I PITY them, because in one time or another, they are the ones who bill mocked, judged and insulted. Its Nature's Law that Each and every action has an equal and opposite reaction. And I pray and hope that they wont experience the kind of RACISM we are experiencing now, because if they will.. Nature will have its way to make it worse than a hundred fold.

Our Apology

The hostage crisis in Manila on August 23, 2010 became a mirror of the incompetence of our police officers. Nine people were killed including the hostage taker himself who was shot by the snipers lurking nearby. The once proud nation is now being eyed as a dangerous place to travel, and a hot topic of ridicule in social networking sites.

I cannot blame these people getting mad at Filipinos. I, for one would be mad if this will happen to my fellow kababayans (I hope it won't). However, I would like to point out that Filipinos as a whole are sympathetic to the victims, peace loving, and are not into violence. 

The entire people of the Philippines are grieving. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims and to those who were affected of this tragic event.

I also want to share a letter written by a high school student in Samar, Philippines about his feelings after the tragedy.

As you are reading this letter, I bet that you have seen or heard about what happened earlier in our country. A group of tourists was taken hostage by a policeman named Rolando Mendoza. After a few hours, some of the victims were dead and the hostage-taker too.

I wrote this letter not just to apologize but also to let everyone know that we Filipinos are not all like Mendoza. We are loving and good-hearted people.

For so many years, our country has been standing tall and overcoming every dilemma; be it small or big. Years ago (before I was born), you have watched us fight for what we think is right. We fought for the democracy of our nation.. The EDSA revolution. But that's just one out of many struggles.

Second, we Filipinos have been serving in other countries for the benefit of our families and we treat you as our own as well. With all due respect, I thank you all for giving us the trust through the years. For helping us to become what we are now. The Philippines is more than just a group of islands. We are a nation of strong and remarkable people. A country of beauty and love known to be hospitable and well-valued. I humbly apologize for what happened. No one in this world would want something like that to happen. Life should be valued.

I politely ask for the attention of the world. Please do not judge and mistreat us just because of what happened tonight. I have been searching the net and uncovered terrible words and accusations. Hong Kong has advised its people to avoid traveling here, China and HK has banned Filipinos and has called for The Philippines to be considered a no-go zone.

I can't blame you for what you have decided but I wish you could understand. Our country is now drowning in a sea of problems. And I know for sure that we have helped you in a way or another. Let peace and understanding reign at this time.

I know that this letter will just become trash but I beg you to understand. On behalf of the Philippine population.. WE ARE SORRY. As one song puts it...

"And I believe that in my life I will see an end to hopelessness, giving-up and suffering. And we all stand together this one time then no one will get left behind. Stand up for life. STAND UP FOR LOVE."

Sincerely yours,
 

Reigno Jose Dilao
Catbalogan City, Samar
(End of Letter)

Related Post Deo Onda

A Haven for Filipino Teachers

This article written by Benito Vacio at ajarn.com about agencies in Bangkok that hire Filipinos is a must read not just for Pinoys alone but to other nationalities as well. I would like to thank Ben for posting this very informative article. Than you Ben!

Are you a newcomer to Thailand looking for an English teaching job or have you been idle here in the country for quite a time? How far have you gone with your job hunting? Do you know of any places where Filipino teachers are marketable? 

To boost your morale a little, let me cite you an inspiring incident in one of the training seminars I  attended when I was a Thai university student. The seminar emcee asked, "Have I learned from my Filipino teachers?" He answered his own question. "Yes, I learned a lot from my Filipino teachers." Similarly, he asked, "Have I learned from my native English teachers?" He answered, "Yes. I learned a lot from my English native teachers."

By this comment, one can assume that Filipino teachers are as good as native speakers. That's why Filipino teachers should also have their place in the "Land of Smiles." While native speakers have native accents, Filipino teachers have good teaching methodologies and students can learn a lot from that.

However, if Filipino teachers receive adulation from Thai students, I can't help wondering why qualified Filipino teachers are not preferred. Why are they not given the opportunity to teach in some schools in Thailand? Why are they not getting jobs?

Being unemployed in a foreign country can be a soul-destroying experience. It can dampen your spirit, make one impoverished, lead to boredom, and worst of all, force one to go back to the Philippines feeling 'a failure'.

I have heard numerous stories from Filipinos who have been unemployed for long periods and forced to live with friends. They apply to schools as walk-in applicants, but are often told, "We will call you when something comes up"

Teachers at the brink of despair must never give up. There is always hope. There is still a way. Get some ideas from this blog. It's all about applying to the right place, the right school, or the right agency.

Having been jobless for 3 months myself, I too have experienced what it's like to be unemployed in Thailand. The only difference I guess is that I have a lot of Thai friends , an American friend, a brother abroad, and they are always there to help me with finances. Then there's my wife and daughter who support me in my decisions. That's why I would like to present a list of agencies I consider to be the best places for employment. As Survivor, the American rock band says, "The Search is Over."

Here are some agencies which employ Filipino teachers at present:

1. Chulalongkorn University
Office of Research and Academic Services
2nd Floor,Buildidng 3, Faculty of Education
Chulalongkorn University,Phayathai Road,
Bangkok 10330
E-Mail - resch_acadser@chula.ac.th
Tel. - 022182549-50/0816856788

2. Ramkamhaeng University
Institute of Languages/ Nonthaburi English Teachers Project Ramkamhaeng Road
Email -www.rl.ru.ac.th/ntp
Tel.- 0891657342

3. Asia Computer and Language
Soi 42 Nawamin Road, Bangkapi
E-Mail -nuchnoy_2@hotmail.com
Tel. - 023755939

4. The Nature Method Language Institute
174 Prasumen Road,
Banglumpoo, Bangkok
Tel. - 022829646, 02281160

5. English Math and Science (EMS)
In front of Don Muang Airport
E-Mail- ems@inbox.com
Tel. - 0812062298

6. Institute of Language and Information Technology (ILIT)
Soi 20 Patanakan, Bangkok
Tel. - 0816196602

7. Mind Research Consultant
Tel. - 0890622796

Each agency has different sets of procedures and requirements. Just prepare all your credentials when you apply, including your ID pictures. Be ready with some teaching materials too, because a number of agencies require 5-10 minute teaching demonstration.

The salary may not be that great at first (except for agencies 1 and 2) but staying with an agency is always a good move. Many agencies assign teachers to schools in Bangkok, but other agents assign teachers to institutes in the nearby provinces. Wherever it is - give it a try. You can stay in the provinces temporarily and go to the city later when you have the chance.

There are reasons why Filipino teachers can't get a job. One reason is they bark up the wrong tree. I say this because they apply to schools that only employ native speakers at the request of their customers (generally the fee-paying parents). Another reason could be wrong timing. Perhaps the teacher has come to Thailand at an inopportune time - maybe in the middle of a term when very little hiring is done.

Once you're hired by the agency and assigned to a certain school, do your best all the time. "Live each day as if it were your last" and you will be successful.

Good luck in your job search and may you find your 'haven' in the agencies I have listed.

SOURCE 

Teachers fail exams on own subjects

I want to share to you guys what i read when i was browsing news about teachers in Thailand. I was dumbfounded. Anyhow, any input or whatever things you have in mind can be shared here. 

 

Nationwide Obec test results ring alarm bells

 

High school students who perform poorly in computer studies, maths and sciences now have new friends to share the pain _ their teachers.

Teachers in secondary schools have had to sit exams in these subjects for the first time, with alarming results,

Most teaching at the senior high school level failed the tests, the Office of the Basic Education Commission said.

''Even teachers fail, so how can we raise the quality of students?'' Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said yesterday after being informed of the results by Obec.

An exam requirement says examinees who earn a mark of less than 59% are considered to have a low standard of knowledge.

Obec said up to 88% of 3,973 teachers who specialise in computer sciences failed the test. A high number of failing teachers was also found in biology (86% of 2,846), maths (84% of 5,498), physics (71% of 3,487), chemistry (64% of 3,088) and astronomy and earth sciences (63% of 529).

The only consolation came from teachers at the junior high level. They earned high marks. Obec said 58% of 14,816 teachers teaching maths were categorised in the grade A group with marks of more than 80%, while 54% of 13,385 teachers did very well in sciences.

''This is the first time the ministry tested teachers nationwide in a move to develop teachers under the Thai Khem Khaeng [Thai strength] scheme,'' Mr Chinnaworn said.

The ministry has set a budget of 1.4 billion baht under the Thai Khem Khaeng scheme to improve the academic standards of teachers.

Mr Chinnaworn said the ministry aimed to build two groups of teachers under the development plan. Teachers at the elementary and junior high levels could be trained to improve their skills in integrated teaching _ one teacher able to teach more than one subject _ while those at the senior high level would be trained to have stronger expertise in specific subjects.

The upgrade of teachers is part of the ministry's plan to increase students' abilities.

''All students at the basic education level must earn more than 50% of the O-Net [Ordinary National Education Test] by 2018,'' Mr Chinnaworn said.

O-Net tests the general knowledge of students in Prathom 3 and 6 and Mathayom 3 and 6.

Obec has announced information and computer technology and English exam results of school directors. About 95% of about 40,000 directors failed the tests, Mr Chinnaworn said.

SOURCE

A Bilateral Agreement! Really??? (Labor laws concerning Filipino teachers)

I came across a blog written by Mr. Abel Cadias at the ajarn.com website. It talks about the salary of Filipino teachers here in the "Land of Smiles". I just want to share this to all of you guys. I am sure it's worth the read. 

http://www.philstar.com/community/Article201005.aspx?articleId=600302&publicationSubCategoryId=503

A Bilateral Agreement! Really??? (Labor laws concerning Filipino teachers)

Here's something that the Filipino teaching community should hope for: a bilateral agreement with Thailand in upholding "better" salary scale and fringe benefits. But of course it's not as easy as we think. A dialogue on August 4 was hosted by the Philippine embassy for the Filipino community to discuss these work-related issues. The Philippine embassy under the leadership of our new ambassador HE Lacanlale, will be joining the crusade of regulating the Filipino teachers' qualifications and skills to monitor the thousands of Filipino teachers who are working and still looking for jobs in Thailand which I believe is in exchange for a nationwide implementation of a standard salary scale. I hope, still hope and will continue hoping! In any case, I wish the ambassador and her staff the best of luck!

If I'm not mistaken, there exists a "standard salary scale" directive drafted by the MoE seven or eight years ago. It states how much one gets depending on nationality. Unfortunately, it was never implemented and I think it won't be implemented anytime in the future. Many school employers cling to odd reasons like "no budget," "parents can not afford to pay," "not many students," and "you're not farang" etc. High supply and low demand leads to a cheaper product cost it seems.

But it appears that the situation here is different. There is an increasing demand and an increasing supply and the costs are getting cheaper. In other words, there are many foreign teachers, especially Filipinos, who accept below average salaries for obvious reasons. And the employers are taking advantage (in fact, abusing the system) of this without any thought of quality instruction. Rarely can you find highly qualified, well-trained and English fluent Filipino teachers who accept lower than 30,000.00 Baht a month. Either they are desperate or waiting for better opportunities.

Sadly, there is a considerable number of "unwanted" Filipino teachers who need to be regulated but it appears they are still given contracts by a considerable number of schools. And I don't blame them. I blame those who give them work in exchange for quality instruction. I think the rule is simple: you want the best then offer the best. Generally, English language teaching in Thailand has obviously become a business opportunity.

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Cadias. Education here is becoming more of a business. Quantity and not quality!

 "SOURCE"

The Queen celebrates her birthday!

HER MAJESTY QUEEN SIRIKIT of Thailand will celebrate her 78th birthday on Thursday, August 12, 2010. She is considered the world's longest serving consort of a monarch (the King is currently the world's longest reigning head of state) . This is a double celebration for the Thai people as they also celebrate mother's day, a respect to the queen which they revered as the mother of Thailand.

I would like to use this blog as a platform to give my warm and sincere birthday wishes to the QUEEN..

Also,teachers in the kingdom will have another long weekend. Starting on Thursday all the way till Sunday! HOLIDAY!! (HEY! We just had one two weeks ago, eh!). Another four days of tripping somewhere else, or just relaxing while reading books or facebooking lol.

We already made a plan. We will visit Teacher Letty and celebrate Mother's Day at her place. Perhaps she will prepare something for her guests? Hehe. Why don't you go with us?

To the Queen- Happy, happy birthday Your Majesty!

To the Thai people - Happy Mother's Day to you all!

http://www.1designer-clothing.com/wp-content/uploads/mothers-day-love.jpg

Enjoy the HOLIDAY!

Active Learning Defined

(SOURCE)  http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/learning/active.html

Learning is often accomplished in a passive manner by having instructors or content transmitted to the learners for them to absorb. Where as active learning involves the learning by being engaged in the instructional process by means of such activities as exploring, analyzing, communicating, creating, reflecting, or actually using new information or experiences.

The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education

 A group of scholars of higher education were asked for a set of principles that could improve learning. Their findings boiled down to one key concept, "Effective teachers demonstrate more implementation of learner-centered domains of practice than less effective teachers" (Fasko, Grubb, McCombs & McCombs, 1993)

From this study, Chickering and Gamson (1997) formulated The Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education:

1. Encourage contacts between students and faculty.
2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.
3. Use active learning techniques.
4. Give prompt feedback.
5. Emphasize time on task.
6. Communicate high expectations.
7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.

Learner-Centered Principles

A set of Learner-Centered Principles for Training (Ellis, Wagner, & Longmire, 1999) were created to help with the learning process. They are based on the work of Barbara McCombs (1992):

• Learning does not occur in a vacuum. Learners discover and construct meaning from information and experience based on their unique perceptions, thoughts and feelings.
• More information doesn't necessarily mean more learning. Learners seek to create meaningful uses of knowledge regardless of the quantity and quality information presented.
• Learners link new knowledge to existing information in ways that make sense to them. The remembering of new knowledge is facilitated when it can be tied to a learner's current knowledge.
• Personality influences learning. Learners have varying degrees of self-confidence and differ in the clarity of their personal goals and expectations for success and failure.
• Learners want to learn. Individuals are naturally curious and enjoy learning, but personal insecurity and fear of failure often get in the way.
• Learners like challenges and are most creative when it is challenging and meets their individual needs.
• Learners are individuals. Not all learners are at the same stage of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Learners also differ in their cultural backgrounds. Although the basic principles of learning apply to all learners regardless of these differences, trainers must take into account such differences between learners.
• The learning environment is important. Learners learn best in a friendly, socially interactive and diverse environment.
• Learners like positive reinforcement. Learning environments that support the self-esteem and respect of the individual learner tend to be more successful.
• Past experience matters. Personal beliefs and impressions from prior learning color the learners' world views and their approach to learning.

Rajabaht University Open House

My first ever article...

Pibulsongkram Rajabaht University hosted another friendly competition for high school students in Phitsanulok and neighboring provinces. A battle of voice, brain, wit, and creativity in singing, quiz bee, and skit. The quiz bee by the way was done in three different languages (English, Chinese and Japanese). Coolness! That's because schools offer these languages in preparation for students undergraduate study.

Our students

The theme of the skit was about global warming. Two of the eight schools who participated in the skit competition are from Phitsanulok. Bangrakamwittayasuksa School (my school) and Phadungrat School just to name them. Although I'm not a professional actor or judge for that matter, i know "actor" when i see one hehe. Kidding aside, students creativity in making their props, producing something out of nothing was amazing (Hey! That's recycling).

Well, just a commendation to the student of Tak Pittayakon School who acted as the "mother, KUDOS! I didn't expect to see acting in its highest level! Good work. Keep it up.

Posing with teacher Lyre
Tomorrow is the last day of the competition. I am not exactly sure what other activities will take place . Let's just see.