| Phonics program implemented
in Bang Plee
May 21, 2004
Beginning today, Nirut Chamsuwan will personally conduct an ongoing
phonics program at Bangpleepattanasuksalai School in the province
of Samut Prakarn. The program will help students develop English
speech and pronunciation skills.
"In my observation of how English is taught in Thailand, I've
noticed a concentration on reading and writing at the expense of
speaking," revealed Mr. Chamsuwan. "We cannot underestimate
the importance of verbal communication and expression in the development
of language skills. Traditionally, languages are spoken before they
are written. Children learn to talk before they learn to read or
write. However, when it comes to teaching Thai students English,
the approach has been to focus on reading and writing with very
little attention paid to how well students can express themselves
verbally… or how willing they are to even speak, for that matter.
"Sometimes it's simply fear," continues Mr. Chamsuwan.
"Students are afraid to speak because they have not sufficiently
developed that skill."
The program can also help students to read by sounding words out.
"I've also found that students are learning English in patterns
that are not truly conducive to developing their skills independently.
They will remember phrases as building blocks rather than words
or letters. The result is an inability to sound out new words using
just the English alphabet. Hopefully, we can rectify this."
For more information on this or any other Nirut
Chamsuwan Educational program, please
contact us.
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