Development of an Innovative Learning Model to Enhance New-Normal Skills Based on Cognitive Processes in Buddhist Psychology

Abstract

The research objectives were 1. to study the components of an innovative learning model to enhance new-normal skills based on cognitive processes in accordance with Buddhist psychology, 2. to develop and evaluate the innovative learning model, and 3. to examine its effectiveness and propose the model. The research methodology is a mixed-methods design, using Buddhist doctrines and psychological concepts as the theoretical framework. The key informants consisted of 6 experts, selected through purposive sampling, while the sample group comprised 17 undergraduate students in their first to third years at Soun Dusit University, Bangkok. The sample size was determined using the G*Power program with a t-test at the significance level of .05 and test power of .80. Five research instruments were employed: 1) an in-depth interview form, 2) an activity evaluation form, 3) a cognitive process assessment scale based on Buddhist psychology, 4) a set of learning activities, and 5) a Mindlink Concentration Headband device (three channels: EEG, ground, reference). Data were analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. The research findings revealed that 1. The components of the innovative learning model comprised five elements: 1) attention, 2) perception, 3) memory, 4) thinking process (yoniso-manasikāra: wise reflection), and 5) self-awareness. 2. The development and evaluation of the model resulted in a set of six activities. And 3. Regarding the effectiveness, the experimental group that participated in the activity set demonstrated improvement. Before the experiment, their cognitive process scores were at a moderate level (=3.49, S.D.=0.77), while after the experiment, they improved to a high level (=4.18, S.D.=0.92). Moreover, brainwave measurement results indicated increases in attention, concentration, and cognition, with an overall average increase of 3.3%. The post-test cognitive process scores based on Buddhist psychology were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at the .05 level.