THE DEVELOPMENT OF A THAI DANCE ACTIVITY PACKAGE TO PROMOTE LEARNING AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Active learning plays a crucial role in the 21st-century classroom. It is a learner-centered approach that emphasizes learners’ learning through practice, knowledge creation, and increased participation in learning through innovative teaching and learning media that meet the needs of all learners. This research investigates and develops a set of dance learning activities based on the concept of board games to create learning media and innovations appropriate for the age of elementary school learners. It also promotes learning in terms of understanding and key academic achievement skills, while creating a positive and enjoyable learning dance atmosphere. Therefore, this research aims to 1) develop a Dance Learning Activity Package for the dance course to encourage learning among primary school students; and 2) create a prototype of the Dance Learning Activity Package for commercial use.

Methods: The sample comprised 85 primary school students aged 9–12 years at Bangchak School (Komon Prasert-Uthit) from grades 4–6, selected by using cluster sampling. The instruments consisted of 1) a Dance Learning Activity Package, composed of three sets with seven board games 2) an activity-package quality evaluation form, 3) a learning achievement test, and 4) a student satisfaction questionnaire regarding the activity package.  The results were calculated using simple descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, along with a t-test for Dependent Samples, performed in SPSS.

Key Findings: The results indicated that 1) students’ learning achievement in the dance subject significantly improved after participating in the Dance Learning Activity Package, which includes three sets with seven board games; the post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at a the .05 level, 2) Student satisfaction with the Thai dance learning activity package (three sets of activities) was, overall, at the highest level, and 3) A prototype activity package for commercial use was developed, consisting of three board game sets - Set 1: Folk Dance (2 games: 4-part Monopoly and Random shooting jigsaw puzzles); Set 2: Khon Characters (3 games: Who’s Thotsakan?, Accessories Bingo and Speed language game); and Set 3: Performance Components (2 games: Picture a jigsaw game and Fun dice game) along with an activity implementation manual. The quality control assessment of the Dance Learning Activity Package prototype by three experts yielded a mean score of 4.78 (SD = 0.52), indicating that the package meets the required criteria and is of high quality. 

Implications of the Study: This result presents guidelines for designing Thai dance instruction in for primary school teachers at level 1. These guidelines can also be adapted for use across other grade levels. Furthermore, teaching modern children requires diverse and engaging methods that stimulate learners’ interest and encourage active participation, leading to quality, goal-oriented learning outcomes for today’s students.

Conclusions and Future Study: Using board games enhances students’ understanding and learning, allowing them to express their knowledge and skills freely during performing arts activities. It also helps foster a positive classroom atmosphere and makes teaching and learning more enjoyable. Future research should examine game-based learning integrated with technology and digital tools to provide easier and quicker access for students, enabling them to challenge themselves while playing. This approach sparks interest, reduces boredom, creates novel learning environments, enables self-directed review, and fosters positive attitudes toward success in learning performing arts, with potential for broader application