A Study of Problems in Teaching Thai Literature in Higher Education and Learning Management Approaches Based on Critical Theory and the Jurisprudential Inquiry Model with Digital Media to Promote Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the problems in teaching Thai literature in higher education, and (2) explore instructional approaches based on critical theory and the Jurisprudential Inquiry Model integrated with digital media to enhance critical thinking skills. This research uses mixed methodologies, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The participants consisted of:
(1) six Thai literature instructors from the Thai Language Teaching at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in the northern; (2) thirty-five third-year students enrolled in the same program and region; and (3) seven experts in Thai literature instruction at the higher education level. The research instruments included: (1) one interview form on instructional problems, (2) one questionnaire, and (3) one interview form on instructional approaches. Data were analyzed using statistics such as mean (), standard deviation (S.D.), and content analysis.
The findings revealed that:
1. The problems in teaching Thai literature were categorized into two dimensions: (1) Instructor-related problems, which included issues concerning instructional principles, methods, techniques, learning materials and resources, learning activities, assessment and evaluation, the role of the instructor, and the classroom environment; (2) Learner-related problems, which were found to be at a high level ( = 4.12, S.D. = 0.24). The most prominent issue was the lack of learning materials and resources ( = 4.59, S.D. = 0.61), followed by learner-related factors ( = 4.51, S.D. = 0.66), literature content ( = 3.71, S.D. = 1.10), and learning activities ( = 3.68, S.D. = 0.99).
2. The instructional approach based on Habermas’s critical theory and the Jurisprudential Inquiry Model, combined with digital media, was found to be effective in fostering learners’ critical thinking skills. Critical theory and the Jurisprudential Inquiry, value reasoning, and discussion of controversial issues, while digital media support the learning activities. These three components can be integrated into a comprehensive learning management model, which includes the selection of literary content, assessment and evaluation strategies, supportive learning factors, to ensure effective and goal-oriented instruction in Thai literature.