Discourse that fosters the learner’s desirable characteristic of being eager to learn as reflected in Thai recitation texts

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the discourse that promotes students' learning-oriented characteristics as reflected in Thai recitation texts based on the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (2008). The study followed a documentary research methodology. The research documents included 15 Thai recitation texts issued by the Ministry of Education and used in primary school textbooks under the Basic Education Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (2008). These texts were: The Cat (Maeo-Miao), The Little One (Dek-Noi), Knowledge is Vital, My Dear (Wi-cha-na-chao), The Balancing Egg (Tang-khai-lom Tom-khai-kin), The Bantam Rooster (Kai-chae), Virtue and Vice (Khwam-dee Khwam-chua), Sut Sakhorn’s Entry into Karavek from Phra Aphai Mani (Phra-A-phai-ma-nee Ton Sut-sa-khon Khao-mueang Ka-ra-wek), Knowledge is Like Merchandise (Wi-cha Muean Sin-kha), The Birth of Phlai Ngam from Khun Chang Khun Phaen (Khun-chang Khun-phaen Ton Kam-noet Phlai Ngam), The Proverbial Verses of Loka-niti (Khlong Lok-ka-nit), Speech is Primary, Calculation is Secondary, Literature is Tertiary, and Integrity is the Seal (Bot Pak-pen-ek, Lek-pen-tho, Nang-sue-pen-tree, Chua-dee-pen-tra), He Who Knows Well, Prospers (Phu-ru-dee Pen Phu-cha-roen), The Victor (Phu-cha-na), The Way of Thai Children (Wi-thee Dek-thai), and The Sun (Duang-ta-wan).

The findings revealed that the discourse promoting students' learning-oriented characteristics in these Thai recitation texts could be classified into the following four primary groups: 1) The that depicts the outcomes of diligence and perseverance in learning as positive and beneficial; 2) the literature that emphasizes learning as a means of achieving good outcomes in the future; 3) The literature that constructs learning as a valuable social asset; and 3) the literature that portrays learning as a responsibility that students are expected to fulfill. The language in these texts is designed to highlight core values through meaningful patterns and underlying messages. When students connect with these values, they tend to see their own roles more clearly and develop a natural motivation to learn for themselves and for the betterment of the country.