THE RESULTS OF A DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GEOHAZARD CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE SPATIAL THINKING SKILLS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Investigating the needs for developing a local geohazard curriculum, the content of local geohazard related learning, and learning management strategies to enhance spatial thinking skills for high school students, and 2) To create and examine the quality of a local geohazard curriculum to enhance spatial thinking skills for high school students. The research was conducted through research and development processes, which devided into 2 steps: A sample group of 39 students in Grade 10 of Wangthong Pittayakhom school, who were randomly selected through a classroom as a random unit. The tools used in the research include interviews, the local geohazard curriculum, course materials, and an interview on the feasibility of the curriculum. Statistical methods such as mean and standard deviation were used for analysis. The results show that: 1) The required for developing the curriculum in order to determine the content include: the history of local geohazard, local geohazard management, risk reduction from local geohazard, local geohazard risk assessment, evacuation, and adaptation to living with local geohazard. 2) In order to enhance spatial thinking skills, Geographic processes and geographic tools in surveying and observing disaster-prone areas should be employed. Asking questions is used to allow learners to analyze and comprehend the occurrence of geohazards in relation to the areas, as well as to find out strategies for disaster risk reduction. 3) The curriculum consists has 8 components: principles and rationale, curriculum objectives, curriculum content, course description, course structure, learning activity management guidelines, guidelines for using media and learning resources, The evaluation results of the curriculum's appropriateness are at very high level
( = 4.48, S.D. = 0.56) and it’s feasible for practical implementation.