I have posted all of my Thailand Photos on Flickr. If you'd like to see them, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynewright/collections/72157601453286795/
There's also a link to the photos on the sidebar to the left which will stay put.
They are organized into 15 sets, including one called "Teaching" where I put all the photos I had of each student teaching. You can find other shots of your schools in the sets titled "Primary Schools" and "Hadsamran High School."
Thanks to all those who shared CDs of their photos. I really enjoyed looking at them.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Post-Program Evaluation Results
Thank you to all the students who provided candid and honest answers to the post-evaluation questions. The results have been compiled into a single document. If you'd like to see how others in the group responded to the questions, you can access this document at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfj9393x_13fqg2g2
For the most part, there was overwhelming agreement on the problems and suggestions. Many of the suggestions are consistent with changes we (the professors) had also discussed. We greatly appreciate this feedback as it will no doubt help us make improvements to the program should we be fortunate to offer it again.
We thank again our great students who were brave enough to act as pioneers, going into the unknown, and for making this program a resounding success. We went in without a lot of information and unsure what to expect, and we greatly appreciate your flexibility, patience, and understanding. Over the next week or so, we'll be posting the final papers of students who have given permission to do so. These papers make it clear what a great impact the program had on many levels.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfj9393x_13fqg2g2
For the most part, there was overwhelming agreement on the problems and suggestions. Many of the suggestions are consistent with changes we (the professors) had also discussed. We greatly appreciate this feedback as it will no doubt help us make improvements to the program should we be fortunate to offer it again.
We thank again our great students who were brave enough to act as pioneers, going into the unknown, and for making this program a resounding success. We went in without a lot of information and unsure what to expect, and we greatly appreciate your flexibility, patience, and understanding. Over the next week or so, we'll be posting the final papers of students who have given permission to do so. These papers make it clear what a great impact the program had on many levels.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Post-Program Evaluation
Here is the form for our Post-Program Evaluation. You can also access a better-formatted version of it on Google Docs at
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfj9393x_12fzf797
You'll be given about 25 minutes (and computer access) to complete this form at our Friday meeting, but if you think you need more time than that, you're welcome to do it before hand. Cut and paste it into Microsoft Word and respond to each prompt.
Please e-mail the completed evaluation forms to Dr. Perrotta, Dr. Wright, and Dr. Merchant.
-----------------------------------------------------
Post-Program Evaluation -Thailand 2007
Please use the space provided to write your comments on the following subjects
1. Pre-Departure Meeting
Adequacy, Quality, and Usefulness of Information provided:
What additional information would be useful prior to going to Thailand?
2. Orientation
Was the location of Orientation (Hua Hin) a good choice? Do you feel in the future the orientation should be provided in-country in this manner or should it be done prior to departure?
Was the length of time for the orientation sufficient?
Were the topics covered sufficient? Are there additional topics not covered you feel would be useful?
Other recommendations for the future orientation sessions:
3. Host Families
What were the positive aspects of staying with your host family?
What were the challenges of staying with your host family?
Do you feel host families should be utilized again in the future?
Would you recommend your particular host family be used again?
Other recommended changes regarding the use of host families:
4. Teaching
Did you feel sufficiently prepared to teach in the Hadsamran area schools?
Was the length of time we spent in the schools teaching sufficient? Do you feel future groups should spend more or less time teaching?
How well-organized was your school in terms of giving you a schedule or advanced notice of what classes you would be teaching?
Was the amount of time teaching each day, and the amount of time for each lesson, appropriate and sufficient?
How much support did you receive from the regular English teacher(s) in terms of planning appropriate lessons, being present in the class as you taught, and helping you secure materials for teaching?
What were the positive aspects of your teaching experience?
What were the challenges of your teaching experience?
What recommendations would you make for changes to the teaching aspect of this program?
5. Cultural Excursions
Were the amount and types of cultural excursions appropriate and sufficient?
Are there any other cultural sites or experiences you would include?
Was there an appropriate balance between structured (e.g., required outings) vs. unstructured time?
What recommendations would you make for changes to the cultural excursions component of this program?
6. Academic Requirements
Were the selected readings helpful to you in deepening your understanding of ESL methods, and gaining new skills in teaching?
Was the amount of reading sufficient and appropriate?
Are there other readings covering other topics that might be beneficial?
Were the journal reflections a useful and meaningful way to reflect on your experiences?
Was the length and scope of the final paper sufficient and appropriate for you to reflect on your overall experience?
Are there any other academic requirements you feel would be helpful as a part of this program?
What recommendations do you have for changes to the academic requirements of this program?
7. Blog
Was the program Blog a beneficial part of this program?
Did you, your family members, or friends view the blog while we were in Thailand? What comments did they make about it?
Do you feel the quotes selected from your journals are representative of your thoughts and feelings expressed?
Do you feel it was appropriate to keep the quotes confidential?
Are there are things you feel should have or still could be added to the blog?
How likely are you to visit the blog again in the future?
Any other recommendations for the blog:
8. For you, what were the most rewarding parts of this program? Explain.
9. What were the most challenging or frustrating parts of this program? Explain.
10. Should UTSA offer this program again? Why or why not?
11. Please describe any other changes or recommendations you may have which you feel would make this program even more effective for future UTSA Students
12. Other Comments:
Signature: _____________________________________________
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Final Paper Guidelines and Meeting
Welcome home everyone. I hope by now you've had a chance to overcome jet lag and get back into your regular routines. I'm sure your family members and friends are glad to have you back. It was neat to see all of your family and friends at the airport waiting for you.
We will have our final class meeting this Friday (August 10th), from 4:00 - 6:00 in MB 0.204 (same place as our pre-departure meeting).
As a reminder, the following will be due:
1. Final 3 journal reflections
- English Camp and Phuket
- Goodbye Party and final day with host families
- Chaing Mai
2. Final Paper (see guidelines below)
At the meeting, you will complete the post-evaluation
Please also bring the CDs with your photos on them to share with everyone.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again.
FINAL PAPER GUIDELINES
(5-10 PAGES, DOUBLE SPACED, 12-POINT FONT, 1-INCH MARGINS)
1. what were your pre-conceived ideas about the Thai people before you went?
2. What expectations, concerns, questions did you have?
3. What experiences in Thailand impacted you the most and why?
4. What new things did you learn about yourself that surprised you?
5. What were some of your successes and challenges during your teaching experience?
6. How will this trip influence your future teaching?
7. What new things did you learn about the Thai culture and people that helped you put your own culture into perspective?
8. What did you personally gain from this experience?
We will have our final class meeting this Friday (August 10th), from 4:00 - 6:00 in MB 0.204 (same place as our pre-departure meeting).
As a reminder, the following will be due:
1. Final 3 journal reflections
- English Camp and Phuket
- Goodbye Party and final day with host families
- Chaing Mai
2. Final Paper (see guidelines below)
At the meeting, you will complete the post-evaluation
Please also bring the CDs with your photos on them to share with everyone.
Looking forward to seeing all of you again.
FINAL PAPER GUIDELINES
(5-10 PAGES, DOUBLE SPACED, 12-POINT FONT, 1-INCH MARGINS)
1. what were your pre-conceived ideas about the Thai people before you went?
2. What expectations, concerns, questions did you have?
3. What experiences in Thailand impacted you the most and why?
4. What new things did you learn about yourself that surprised you?
5. What were some of your successes and challenges during your teaching experience?
6. How will this trip influence your future teaching?
7. What new things did you learn about the Thai culture and people that helped you put your own culture into perspective?
8. What did you personally gain from this experience?
Friday, August 3, 2007
Here in Bangkok, Ready to Come Home
Just a short entry to say we arrived in Bangkok safely. We had a nice dinner together and everyone shared what they had learned and what they looked forward to doing when we get home.
We are ready to go home. We have an early morning departure of 4:45 a.m. from the Hotel.
It's a been a great experience!
We are ready to go home. We have an early morning departure of 4:45 a.m. from the Hotel.
It's a been a great experience!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Chaing Mai University
We are now in Chaing Mai, on the last leg of our trip. We had an uneventful flight from Trang to Bangkok, and then on to Chaing Mai. Many of us though had to pay a price for all the shopping we've been doing, with overweight baggage fees. Luckily most of us avoided fees on the second leg of the flight thanks to Fernando who found us a place in the airport to check our heavier bags, so we'd only have to take our lighter ones with us.
As soon as bags hit the floor in the hotel, we were all out the door to explore the wonders of Chaingmai. We are fortunate to be literally across the street from the famed Night Bizzare - a bargain hunter's dream come true. Family members, be forwarned!
This morning we had a wonderful visit to the Medical School at Chaing Mai University. Dr. Gracy, our VP for Research at UTSA, has connections with the University here, which made our visit possible. We were hosted by Dr. Pornngarm Limtrakul, Chair of the Biochemistry Department.
At first, many of our students wondered what we, as students from the College of Education, could learn from visiting a medical school. But after the first presentaton by their faculty, it all became clear. They described to us, and then showed us, how they had made the transition from traditional teaching to problem based learning, and thus revolutionized their program. We got to see their mock doctor examination rooms where med students practice with pretend patients, all while being monitored via camera by their professors. We also were shown the small group discussion rooms where students meet to discuss and solve problems in a manner not just possible in the large lecture halls.
Later, in our visit to the Anatomy Department, we got a graphic close up view of hands-on-learning in action: We watched a three medical students, under the supervision and guidance of their professor, remove the stomach of a cadaver. Before we entered the room with the cadavers, Dr. Pornngarm joked with us, "there are no ghosts, just bodies." Before the cadaver room, we went through an anatomy teaching room that was essentially a museum of real body parts - male and female reproductive systems, the nervous system, the uninary tract, the cardiovascular system, and a few stray hands and feet.
I believe we all left with a deep gratitude for the majors we have selected for ourselves, with less gruesome class projects and assignments. But we also left with a deep respect and awe for the medical field and what students learn in medical school. Most of all, we left feeling very privledged to have had this experience. None of us have ever had the opportunity to have a tour of a medical school in the U.S. We are very grateful to Dr. Pornngarm and the other faculty and students we have the privilege to meet with. They were wonderful hosts, and we learned a great deal, not only about medicine, but about education.
After our visit, Chaing Mai University provided us with vans to visit a famous ancient temple at the top of a long winding hill. We were accompanied by Dr. Chantri Ngamkitidechakul, a lecturer in the Biochemsty department, and three doctoral students from Dr. Pornngarm's research lab. From the parking lot, the temple was an additional 300 + steps up the steep hill. Some of us wimped out and took the elevator, while others braved the climb. The view from the temple was spectacular, as was the massive golden stuppa at the center of the mountain top. The surrounding ornate temples and other religious artifacts made for peaceful moments.
We are grateful for this opportunity to visit Chaing Mai and are struck at how different it is from Bangkok, Trang, and the rural areas we have been working in. This is a gorgeous city.
As soon as bags hit the floor in the hotel, we were all out the door to explore the wonders of Chaingmai. We are fortunate to be literally across the street from the famed Night Bizzare - a bargain hunter's dream come true. Family members, be forwarned!
This morning we had a wonderful visit to the Medical School at Chaing Mai University. Dr. Gracy, our VP for Research at UTSA, has connections with the University here, which made our visit possible. We were hosted by Dr. Pornngarm Limtrakul, Chair of the Biochemistry Department.
At first, many of our students wondered what we, as students from the College of Education, could learn from visiting a medical school. But after the first presentaton by their faculty, it all became clear. They described to us, and then showed us, how they had made the transition from traditional teaching to problem based learning, and thus revolutionized their program. We got to see their mock doctor examination rooms where med students practice with pretend patients, all while being monitored via camera by their professors. We also were shown the small group discussion rooms where students meet to discuss and solve problems in a manner not just possible in the large lecture halls.
Later, in our visit to the Anatomy Department, we got a graphic close up view of hands-on-learning in action: We watched a three medical students, under the supervision and guidance of their professor, remove the stomach of a cadaver. Before we entered the room with the cadavers, Dr. Pornngarm joked with us, "there are no ghosts, just bodies." Before the cadaver room, we went through an anatomy teaching room that was essentially a museum of real body parts - male and female reproductive systems, the nervous system, the uninary tract, the cardiovascular system, and a few stray hands and feet.
I believe we all left with a deep gratitude for the majors we have selected for ourselves, with less gruesome class projects and assignments. But we also left with a deep respect and awe for the medical field and what students learn in medical school. Most of all, we left feeling very privledged to have had this experience. None of us have ever had the opportunity to have a tour of a medical school in the U.S. We are very grateful to Dr. Pornngarm and the other faculty and students we have the privilege to meet with. They were wonderful hosts, and we learned a great deal, not only about medicine, but about education.
After our visit, Chaing Mai University provided us with vans to visit a famous ancient temple at the top of a long winding hill. We were accompanied by Dr. Chantri Ngamkitidechakul, a lecturer in the Biochemsty department, and three doctoral students from Dr. Pornngarm's research lab. From the parking lot, the temple was an additional 300 + steps up the steep hill. Some of us wimped out and took the elevator, while others braved the climb. The view from the temple was spectacular, as was the massive golden stuppa at the center of the mountain top. The surrounding ornate temples and other religious artifacts made for peaceful moments.
We are grateful for this opportunity to visit Chaing Mai and are struck at how different it is from Bangkok, Trang, and the rural areas we have been working in. This is a gorgeous city.
Farewell Party - Hadsamram High School
Less than two weeks after our welcome party we thought that couldn't be beat, the faculty, staff and students of Hadsamram High School outdid themselves with a great farewell party for us. The school has an amazing music and dance program, and students entertained us throughout the evening with mixtures of traditional and modern music and dance. Even some of the elementary school children performed dances for us. A few numbers had all of us out there dancing with the students in both the traditional and modern styles. The last one reminded us we aren't in high school anymore -- we found it hard to keep up with the energy level of the students! Along with the dance was a big buffet with many delicious Thai dishes. And of course, mountains of Thai fruits.
The school presented each of us with a certificate and gifts, including 6 DVDs of the activities we participated in at the school. Many of the students were showered with gifts from their primary schools and host familes.
At the end of the evening, we were once again subjected to the aweful "Goodbye my Friend" song, and once again, tears flowed.
The next morning, we left for the airport with many of our host families staying in the airport until we entered the boarding lounge. Again, more tears flowed.
We continue to be amazed at how much these past two weeks have meant to our new friends in Hadsamram. We also leave wondering if we have been able to give to them as much as they have given us.
The school presented each of us with a certificate and gifts, including 6 DVDs of the activities we participated in at the school. Many of the students were showered with gifts from their primary schools and host familes.
At the end of the evening, we were once again subjected to the aweful "Goodbye my Friend" song, and once again, tears flowed.
The next morning, we left for the airport with many of our host families staying in the airport until we entered the boarding lounge. Again, more tears flowed.
We continue to be amazed at how much these past two weeks have meant to our new friends in Hadsamram. We also leave wondering if we have been able to give to them as much as they have given us.
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