APPLICATION OF ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE MORALITY AND RIGHT SPEECH FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Synthesize the morality of right speech in Buddhist scriptures, 2) Develop activities to enhance the morality of right speech for early secondary school students, and 3) Apply activities to enhance the morality of right speech in the target group directly. Qualitative research methodology was used in conjunction with action research. Data were collected from primary documents in Buddhism, interviews with experts, behavioral observation, and reflections of students who participated in the activities. The research results found that the principle of right speech consists of 4 elements: not telling lies, not speaking harshly, not speaking coarsely, and not speaking nonsense, which are related to the principle of proverbial speech, namely speaking at the right time, speaking the truth, speaking gently, speaking for benefits, and speaking with kindness. Right speech is also related to the principle of the 4 divine states, 4 social objects, and 5 precepts. The developed activity set consists of 5 activities: 1) THINK before speaking, 2) Role-playing, 3) Speaking to create encouragement, 4) Discussion with role models, and
5) The activity "1 day of speaking well", which is based on the principle of Dhamma combined with the psychological learning process and designed to be appropriate for early secondary school students. It can be used to expand the application of the activities to result in positive changes in students. in terms of knowledge, attitude, behavior, relationships, and motivation, especially in terms of behavior, students are able to control their speech and use speech more creatively. New knowledge gained includes the SPIRAL model, consisting of 1) Synthesis of the principles of right speech and proverbs from Buddhism, 2) Participatory learning through verbal discipline activities, 3) Self-reflection to develop ethical verbal intentions, 4) Applying activities in real life to link the classroom with behavior, and 5) Adjusting attitudes and molding right speech behaviors.