Effects of blended learning combined with the use of real-life scenarios on Thai traditional medicine students at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University

Abstract

          This research was a quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the outcomes of blended learning activities incorporating real-life scenarios among students of Thai traditional medicine at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University. The study also seeks to compare the academic results of three subjects including Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Traditional Pharmacy, and Thai Massage. The study involved three groups: the first group received blended learning with the integration of real-life scenarios, the second group received online learning, and the third group received traditional face-to-face learning. Each group consisted of 20 participants over 15 weeks, with 3 hours of instruction per week. Data were collected via structured forms from the information system, including demographics and academic results from three courses. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used. The Chi-square test analyzed categorical differences, while One-Way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test compared academic performance.

          The study revealed that the blended learning with the integration of the real-life scenarios group achieved the highest average scores across all three groups, followed by the traditional face-to-face and online learning groups, respectively. Particularly in Thai massage, the blended learning with the integration of the real-life scenarios group significantly outperformed the online and traditional face-to-face learning group (p<.001). Consequently, this study suggests that blended learning with real-life scenarios effectively enhance the academic performance of Thai traditional medicine students.