Development of Social Studies English Media Model for Monks and Novices

Abstract

This study had three objectives: 1) to examine models of social-studies-oriented English instructional media for Buddhist monks and novice monks, 2) to investigate the learning outcomes of such instructional media and 3) to assess user satisfaction with these media. A mixed-methods design was employed, comprising quantitative research using a survey on the development of instructional media models with a sample of 250 participants; qualitative research through in-depth interviews with 12 participants and a focus group of 11 participants; and action research collecting data from 50 participating monks and novices, selected from one of ten schools in Chiang Mai Province, The results indicated that: 1) most instructional models emphasized skill development, engaging learners in real-life activities and communication, with a sustained focus on problem-solving, 2) pretest and posttest scores for the social-studies-oriented English instructional media for monks and novices differed significantly at the 0.05 level and 3) most informants highlighted the use of instructional media as a guideline for teaching social studies, and emphasized that media development should include processes that build learners’ understanding so as to inform the creation of a corresponding manual.