Background Info

How did we start this thing anyway? Aaron completed his student teaching in April, 2008. He participated in a job fair in Iowa, at which 130 overseas schools were represented; all of them were seeking teachers. Aaron met with interviewers in 30 minute segments, and received three immediate offers. He decided to accept the assignment in Bangkok. Aaron sent an enthusiastic email to his advisor, Dr. Cheryl Fleming, who suggested the possibility of a research project.

The first meeting between the researchers took place on May 30, 2008. Aaron explained a little about his school, the American School of Bangkok. He will depart for Bangkok at the end of July, and needs to be there on August 1. He will be teaching Math to grades 6-7-8, mainly composed of English-speaking Thai students. His benefits include a housing stipend and health insurance. Aaron stated the cost of living is less there.

American School of Bangkok has a downtown site; programs include sports and afterschool tutoring. The school has internet connections, which will allow the researchers to maintain the blog. Aaron plans to spend at least two years in this teaching position.

Aaron will post weekly journal reflections and experiences, about 3-4 times per week, along with photos, to this blog site. In addition, he will seek other data sources, such as letters or journals from students, and other school-related documents.

Dr. Fleming will do the IRB paperwork, as well as the review of the literature, and will write the research articles in collaboration with Aaron. In addition, she has contacted several faculty members who have lived overseas, and might be able to assist Aaron.

The research questions will focus on intercultural experiences, as well as first year teacher experiences.

Dr. Fleming and Aaron applied for a Lilly Scholarship Grant, and hope to obtain partial funding to assist in their research. They hope to present their results at conferences, as well as find publishing opportunities for this work.