Teacher Amazed: Secondary Student Can't Write, Needs Hand-Guided Writing, But Primary Teacher Dared to Pass Him
A secondary school teacher discovered a student unable to write properly who had been passed by his primary school teacher, raising concerns about Thailand's education system where struggling readers are promoted without adequate support.
A secondary school teacher was shocked to discover a student who cannot write properly and needs hand-guided assistance, yet was passed by their primary school teacher. The teacher posted this story which went viral with many comments and shares. The post describes the teacher's interaction with the struggling student: when asked to write, the student says 'Teacher, I don't want to write, I can't write' nearly in tears. The teacher encourages him to try copying large letters written on the board. After checking on 30 other students and returning, the teacher is amazed at the lack of progress. The teacher then holds the student's hand to guide the writing. Despite the student's tears saying 'Teacher, I can't write,' the teacher praises two letters the student managed to write (S for tiger, M for horse) and decides to start over from one together.
The post raises broader concerns about Thai education. Many students are increasingly unable to read or write, yet are promoted to secondary school where they sit alongside proficient students, creating a complex problem. When a student struggles, they become insecure. If most students in a class are illiterate, they drag down the other half who read and write well, slowing their development. The teacher questions whether Thai education has lost its way. Only small secondary schools truly understand and address these issues.
