^ It's funny, in Japan/China (for example) they realize the value of a teacher who can speak the native tongue of their students as being potentially a much more effective teacher ***especially for beginner students***
Where did the nonsensical notion come from, that it's detrimental for Thais to
have any translation in their L1 from their teacher?
I have heard the common retorts 100 times:-
Oh, but if they know you can speak Thai, they will be less willing to speak/try
in English.. (not if you enforce strict class rules)
Oh, but you can use TPR or draw pictures on the board to explain your point (sure, for simple commands open your book, sit down etc... not possible for abstract ideas though)
Oh, but we pay you to speak English, not Thai! zzzzzz
I studied Japanese in high school - if she had come into our Kiwi classroom on the first day of class, speaking only Japanese without any translation into English, I imagine she would have been fired within the first week lol...
Listen, I know this is a touchy subject and I know you can be an effective teacher without speaking their L1... I get it, I really do.
In my experience/opinion, it depends on the teacher and how he/she uses (or abuses) that skill. I have tried both, 1 full year teaching without the use of any Thai whatsoever... following year (after requesting permission from Sister of my Catholic school) using Thai (only when needed).. then comparing the results...
Needless to say, the 2nd year was light years ahead of the 1st in terms of their advancement/comprehension and exam results. I was awarded a much higher salary and now they will only accept a bilingual teacher.
Go figure... That being said, I would only use it when necessary i.e. quite heavy usage for beginner students, medium usage for intermediate, no usage of Thai for advanced students (of course).
I honestly believe, if used carefully when needed (not just to show off) it can be a powerful tool in the classroom to expedite the learning process much more quickly/efficiently.
*Now, let the flaming of my bilingual ass begin lol