A BUDDHIST-BASED SOCIAL STUDIES INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE UPPER NORTHERN THAILAND: A CASE STUDY OF PIRIYALAI SCHOOL PREA PROVINCE

Abstract

        This research aimed to 1) study the knowledge about the teaching system of Buddhist-based social studies for enhancing desirable characteristics of upper secondary school students in upper northern Thailand, a case study of Piriyalai School in Prea Province, 2) evaluate problem conditions and needs for a social studies teaching system for desirable characteristics, 3) develop a social studies teaching system for desirable characteristics, and 4) evaluate and approve a social studies teaching system for desirable characteristics.

        This research and development was conducted to develop the teaching system using a survey from a sample group of 217 people. Ten school administrators/teachers selected by purposive sampling were interviewed. The research tools included questionnaires and Interview forms.

        The research showed that:

     1. Overall, the study of the following individual factors: sex, head of students’ family, monthly income of students’ household, family’s primary occupation, family status, students’ living conditions, family structure, and interview results gained from ten school administrators/teachers to analyze under the knowledge condition of teaching social studies for desirable characteristics in generosity, kindly speech, life service, and conducting oneself consistently, were at the good level.

        2. Overall, the evaluation result of problem conditions and needs for social studies teaching system on a service-mind aspect of secondary 4 students in Piriyalai School, Prea Province, under five behaviors: 1) sharing to and helping other people, 2) participation in public activities, 3) taking care of public benefits, 4) action for the public, and 5) respect for other people’s rights, was at a good level.

        3. The result of teaching system development based on the service-mind principle revealed that it was a process focusing on the student’s participation in activities or situations and students’ endeavor under the development in the following issues: 1) responsibility skill, 2) value system, 3) communication skill, and 4) learning and practice of ethical principles. The overall result was at a good level.

       4. Evaluation and approval results of the teaching system were gained from the expert committees by organizing the focus group discussion with twelve monks/persons.