A MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT IN MORALITY AND LEARNING BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH THROUGH A BUDDHIST-BASED CREATIVE MEDIA PROCESS

Abstract

The research titled A Model of Development in Morality and Learning Behavior of Children and Youth through a Buddhist-Based Creative Media Process aims to study successful prototype organizations and develop a modern model tailored for youth in the digital age. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, data was collected through both quantitative and qualitative measures from a sample group of students and experts to derive practical guidelines for educational institutions and communities. A key innovative finding is the shift in “learning paradigms,” moving from traditional lecture-based moral instruction to experience-based learning via modern media familiar to youth, such as short videos, social reflection dramas, and applications. The core mechanism begins with establishing “Faith (Saddha)” to capture interest and open young minds, before progressing to “Practical Principles” through hands-on group activities. This transforms youth from passive recipients into “media creators,” allowing them to systematically practice thinking, planning, and collaborative skills. This process integrates six moral virtues-discipline, responsibility, honesty, self-sacrifice, patience, and a passion for learning-with Buddhist principles. Empirical results confirm that this model significantly enhances “Hiri-Ottappa” (moral shame and dread of sin), personal responsibility, and public mindedness among youth. The primary success factor ensuring the sustainability of this innovation is the application of the “Borworn” concept (Home, Temple, and School) as the driving foundation. Collaboration between these three core institutions creates an environment conducive to behavioral refinement, providing youth with a robust “intellectual immunization.” This enables them to effectively screen information and lead lives grounded in Buddhist Dhamma amidst the complexities of the modern world in a proper and valuable manner.