Samut Sakhon: Geo-Social and Local History with the Integration of Learning Management Plans in the Subject Group of Social Studies, Religion, and Culture, Wat Sri Muang School, Tha Sai Subdistrict, Samut Sakhon Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the local history of Samut Sakhon, and 2) integrate the learning management plan for the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture learning area at Wat Srimuang School, Tha Sai Subdistrict, Samut Sakhon Province. The population and purposive samples consisted of: 1) key informants, individuals with in-depth knowledge of Samut Sakhon’s history, 2) practitioners, teachers, and students, and 3) the general public, residents throughout Samut Sakhon Province. This research employed a qualitative cultural research method. Data collection tools included surveys, interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and workshops. The research findings revealed that 1) the Ban Tha Chin area in Samut Sakhon Province had been an important historical and cultural site, with geographical significance as a water transport hub since the Ayutthaya period. It has played a role in military movements, trade, and the settlement of various ethnic groups, especially the overseas Chinese, resulting in a rich cultural diversity that has been preserved to the present day. 2) The use of historical project-based learning that emphasized self-directed inquiry had promoted students’ analytical thinking, information synthesis, and positive attitudes toward their local community. It had also effectively integrated knowledge into lesson plans by utilizing local learning resources, leading to meaningful and sustainable learning in terms of knowledge, skills, and desirable characteristics of students.

Keywords: Geo-Society, Local History, Samut Sakhon, Teaching Integration