Thread: New mandatory test for teachers

Has anybody here been subjected to this yet?

today we got something in our mailbox saying that it is now mandatory to do a test

?????????????????????????????????????????????

it costs from 4000 - 9000 baht.
you would think that a MED would be enough for these extorsionists

Originally Posted by Another Farang

Has anybody here been subjected to this yet?

today we got something in our mailbox saying that it is now mandatory to do a test

?????????????????????????????????????????????

it costs from 4000 - 9000 baht.
you would think that a MED would be enough for these extorsionists

Every now and then when my bank account is looking even sadder than normal, I momentarily reconsider my vow to never teach again. Then I read a post like this and it cheers me up. I made the right choice. Teaching is a desperate enough ' career ' without having to do a steeplechase to boot.

What exactly does the MED test consist of and how much is it these days?

Is this gonna be one of those fantastic Thai multiple choice tests?

Q.27 What does TEFL stand for?

(a) Thai English Foreigns Language
(b) Tiger Elephant Frog Lion
(c) Teacher English For Learner
(d) Test for an English in the Foreigns Language

One of the questions is how to spell extortionist.

Is this a joke or serious? no online 'test' is worth anything, if you can't do it just get somebody who can, as worthless as a fake degree just costs less!

I think you will find it is only an application on line.....

Originally Posted by Another Farang

Has anybody here been subjected to this yet?

today we got something in our mailbox saying that it is now mandatory to do a test

?????????????????????????????????????????????

it costs from 4000 - 9000 baht.
you would think that a MED would be enough for these extorsionists

It's mandatory to show an effort to get qualified for a Teachers Liscense, so the story goes. First you get a two year waiver from the Teachers Council. Then, to extend it another two years prove you took the tests etc.. You don't have to pass them. One "poster" said he/she answered "B"(or 2.) to every question and since took(and paid) for the test(s) got the additional two years. Another wise arse said he/she was going to take them and attempt to get every question wrong(like Kris Kringle did in Miracle on 34th Street) but never read any more about that effort. Focus on who pays for the tests and expenses(travel).

On the upside the Bachelors degree requirement will count a lot of the ex Tesco shelf packers out

Originally Posted by Wayne Kerr

On the upside the Bachelors degree requirement will count a lot of the ex Tesco shelf packers out

The Bachelors requirement has been on the "books" for quite a while. It just isn't enforced by means of verification or common sense examination of the University's being real, accredited, legit courses or nonsense, online, etc.. Combine that with the continued corporal punishment by Thai teachers and staff and one can get the picture. Thailand may not in fact be a "developing" country, instead, some would say whipping itself back to third world status.

Originally Posted by BugginOut

You MUST use Internet Explorer to complete the application.

Here is a little firefox add on to make any website think that the browser you are using is Internet Explorer.

It works with Bangkok Banks website as well for anyone thats having trouble with them.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/59

I found out its ISAT who is trying to "enforce" this test instead of the MOE.
If the MOE is not asking for it, I would not pay any importance to it.

What is ISAT?

Originally Posted by Bangyai

Originally Posted by Another Farang

Has anybody here been subjected to this yet?

today we got something in our mailbox saying that it is now mandatory to do a test

?????????????????????????????????????????????

it costs from 4000 - 9000 baht.
you would think that a MED would be enough for these extorsionists

Every now and then when my bank account is looking even sadder than normal, I momentarily reconsider my vow to never teach again. Then I read a post like this and it cheers me up. I made the right choice. Teaching is a desperate enough ' career ' without having to do a steeplechase to boot.

What exactly does the MED test consist of and how much is it these days?

I guess I'm just a spoiled American, but once I'm hired I feel reasonable in expecting things such as this to be paid for by my employer. Since It's Thailand I would not complain about overtime or ask for compensatory time off.

So, after reading some of the threads, I have a question.

It is "possible" to get a job teaching without a university degree ? I am going to Phoenix University (yes, it is accredited) to get my AA in Communication considering that they do not have a teachers degree in the state I live in.

I have always wanted to try and teach, I think I would do well at it. Just never had a chance to try.

As this is the series of tubes that is called Teh Interwebs, I have been doing a lot of research in trying to find a good school for the TEFL,TESL,TEFLON thingy...


This mandatory test, I did see that you can fail it and take it again. I did find that funny.

It is "possible" to get a job teaching without a university degree ? I am going to Phoenix University (yes, it is accredited) to get my AA in Communication considering that they do not have a teachers degree in the state I live in.

yes, it is possible. But just not in an international school. But don't let that put you off as there are other good paying jobs besides international schools. If you haven't taught before, and wages are not a big issue to begin with, then you are sure to find a job to get some experience on the board - then look for something better.

Originally Posted by Number 42

It is "possible" to get a job teaching without a university degree ? I am going to Phoenix University (yes, it is accredited) to get my AA in Communication considering that they do not have a teachers degree in the state I live in.

yes, it is possible. But just not in an international school. But don't let that put you off as there are other good paying jobs besides international schools. If you haven't taught before, and wages are not a big issue to begin with, then you are sure to find a job to get some experience on the board - then look for something better.

Cool thanks man !

Yeah, I plan on saving up the last year (living with mum and dad) and having enough so that I can survive on 30k baht that first year.

So do any of you have recommendations as far as where to get the TEFL certificate ?

BTW- Number 42- Good name, Douglas Adams would be happy. LOL

If you gents wish to be respected as professionals, then please consider that other professions require continuing education and periodic exams when wishing to upgrade licenses. I am obliged to undertake 30 hours of continuing ed. each year to maintain various licenses. A physician is expected to sit various licensing exams before he or she is even allowed to undertake some basic procedures. Even a skilled tradesman has to pass some basic exams. And yet here you are griping about some basic skill verification to ensure that you are competent enough to teach. Sorry, no sympathy here.

Originally Posted by zygote1

If you gents wish to be respected as professionals, then please consider that other professions require continuing education and periodic exams when wishing to upgrade licenses. I am obliged to undertake 30 hours of continuing ed. each year to maintain various licenses. A physician is expected to sit various licensing exams before he or she is even allowed to undertake some basic procedures. Even a skilled tradesman has to pass some basic exams. And yet here you are griping about some basic skill verification to ensure that you are competent enough to teach. Sorry, no sympathy here.

I suspect it is more to do with the way in which it is administered, than the actual requirement itself.

Originally Posted by Sir Wilson

I suspect it is more to do with the way in which it is administered, than the actual requirement itself.

Fair enough, but continuing ed testing has always been a bit of a joke. I do some of my western requirements on line. Had to pay $400 USD for one course. Total joke of a course, but it was required. The teaching community now joins many other professions with this requirement and the padded fee experience. When one considers that there are questions asked as to whether or not one should be allowed to teach in the absence of formal training, I think you can appreciate the reason why a great many officials embrace these type of requirements.
Is it flawed and open to improvement? Yes, but the emphasis should be on just doing it and getting it out of the way. I expect that the number of foreign teachers to have gone through the process and got on with their lives and jobs greatly outnumbers those that have an issue. TiT, so there is no point in fighting it.