Factors Affecting Students' Decision to Study Chinese at Ouyang Language School, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Evaluation of factors affecting decision-making. Determining the level of decision-making in learning Chinese, Identification of important influencing factors, and creating guidelines for increasing the effectiveness of curricula and teaching methods. This research aimed to 1) study the level of factors affecting the decision to study Chinese, 2) study the level of decision to study Chinese, 3) factors affecting the decision to study Chinese, and 4) suggest guidelines for developing the curriculum and teaching methods of Chinese that are appropriate and meet the needs of students at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province.

Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 111 students who studied Chinese at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province, calculated using Yamane's formula. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis using the Enter method, which was statistically significant at the .05 level.

Results: 1) The level of factors affecting the decision to study Chinese among students at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province, was at a high level overall. 2) The level of decision to study Chinese students at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province, was at a high level overall. 3) Factors affecting the decision to study Chinese of students at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province, found that the multiple correlation coefficient was .821 (R = .821). All independent variables could explain the variation of the dependent variable by 67.50 percent, with R2 = .675 and F = 73.986, which showed that the independent variables were significantly related to the decision to study Chinese at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province, at a statistical level of .05. 4) Suggestions for developing the curriculum and methods of teaching Chinese to be appropriate and respond to the needs of students at Ouyang Khon Kaen Language School, Khon Kaen Province include: The location or environment of the tutoring school should be arranged to be suitable for studying. It should focus on conversation lessons by simulating various events. It should emphasize more on writing Chinese. Teachers should have techniques that will attract students to study Chinese. There should be a textbook that is appropriate for the curriculum.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of various factors that contribute to students' decisions to study Chinese at the Ouyang Language School. The research highlights the necessity for continuous support, an engaging learning environment, and effective teaching strategies that resonate with students’ personal interests and future aspirations. By addressing these factors, educational institutions can facilitate informed decision-making and enhance student learning.