Journal of International Studies, Prince of Songkla University

Redesigning Blended Lessons in the Learning Management System

Davin Scampton — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This case study explores the redesign (‘re-jig’) of course materials at a Middle Eastern tertiary institution with a view to reducing cognitive load and enhancing scaffolding through improved use of a Learning Management System (LMS). Drawing on theories of cognitive load and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, the study investigates how instructional design practices impacted usability, accessibility, and student learning outcomes. A series of course rejigs are documented across disciplines, and the findings are discussed in terms of both pedagogical and technological implications. Recommendations are offered for teacher training, instructional design, and institutional policy.

The Ideological Construction of Israeli Children’s Animosity Towards the Palestinian: An Analysis Based on Locke’s Tabula Rasa and Foucauldian Subjectivity

Nuti Promsivapallop — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Israeli children’s hostility towards Palestinians is not just an individualistic attitude, but an ideological and systematic one, which calls for further discursive exploration. This paper, therefore, employs Locke’s tabula rasa and Foucauldian subjectivity to explore how the Israeli state engages with the Israeli child’s inexperience. Using a discourse analysis method to build its arguments and analysis, the article reveals how children’s formative
years are an important and politically significant period, especially through social mechanisms like school commemorations, memorial ceremonies, and civics education. This highlights that childhood in conflict zones is not innocent or neutral; rather, it is a critical site in which national memory, belonging, and subjectivity are constantly produced and reproduced.

Chinese Tourists’ Dengue-Related Fear and Protective Behaviors: A Protection Motivation Theory Approach

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research adopts an extended Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework to explore how international tourists perceive the health risk of dengue fever and engage in protective actions during their travels. Specifically, this research aims to examine the effects of PMT factors on fear and protection motivation related to dengue fever, as well as to assess the mediating role of fear. The proposed model integrates both cognitive components which are threat and coping appraisals, and the affective response of fear to provide a holistic explanation of tourists’ protection motivation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 431 Chinese tourists at key tourist attractions in Phuket, Thailand. The survey captured core PMT constructs, including perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, self-efficacy, response cost, fear of dengue fever, and protection motivation. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the interrelationships among these variables and to test the mediating role of fear. The analysis demonstrated that most hypothesized relationships were supported, confirming the applicability of PMT in predicting health-related behavioral intentions in tourism settings. Nevertheless, four hypotheses, including concerning perceived severity, response cost, response efficacy, and self-efficacy, were found to be non-significant, indicating that the influence of PMT components varies across emotional and motivational pathways. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.

Creative Leadership and the Evolution of Neo-Confucianism: A Study of Toynbee’s Theory with Jeong Do-jeon and King Sejong

Yongsu Kim, Netima Burapasiriwat — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study explores Korea’s Neo-Confucian transformation from the late Goryeo to the early Joseon Dynasty through the lens of Arnold Toynbee’s theory of civilizational change and the concept of "Creative Leadership." Using a qualitative, voice-centered approach to original historical documents, the study analyzes how Jeong Do-jeon and King Sejong responded to historical crises not only with political reforms but also with ethically grounded innovations that reshaped state philosophy and the role of government in society. Jeong Do-jeon restructured state institutions based on Confucian rationalism and meritocratic reform, while King Sejong advanced inclusive policies such as the creation of Hunminjeongeum (the Korean writing system) to empower common people. Their leadership demonstrated a deep moral vision and civic consciousness, reflecting enduring values such as public welfare, civic participation, and human-centered governance. These values continue to resonate in contemporary South Korean democracy and significantly contribute to Korea’s current global image. For international students drawn to Korea by the Korean Wave, this study offers a new approach to make Korean history more interesting and meaningful by presenting historical leaders as moral and creative problem-solvers. This helps learners connect the past with contemporary values such as resilience, equality, and social responsibility. The research not only provides a fresh perspective on interpreting Korea’s historical development but also offers a practical pedagogical approach for teaching Korean history in international classrooms

The Needs of Chinese Language Proficiency Development among Employees in Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Phuket

Emeela Wae-Esor, Nattakan Dilts — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to examine the needs for developing Chinese language proficiency, as well as to explore approaches to enhance such proficiency among service industry employees in Phuket. This study used a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from a total of 400 respondents, including hotel staff, sales personnel, customer service employees, and tour guides. A structured questionnaire was used in this study. The findings revealed that 43.75% of respondents lacked basic skills and competence in Chinese communication. The highest demand for language development was in the area of problem-solving explanations in Chinese (x̄ = 4.24). Regarding development strategies, respondents expressed a strong preference for flexible learning models, such as online Chinese language courses. In addition, there was a notable demand for organizational support in the form of incentive systems that reward employees based on their Chinese language skills and proficiency (x̄ = 4.21). These findings highlight opportunities for strategic investment in human resource development to enhance Chinese language competencies among service industry workers in Phuket.

The Impact of Relationship Marketing on Marketing Profitability through Marketing Competitive Capability: The Roles of Customer Commitment and Market Acceptance in Phuket Hotels, Thailand

Atcharawan Rattanaphan — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to examine the influence of relationship marketing on marketing profitability of hotels in Phuket Province, considering the mediating role of marketing competitive capability and facilitating factors including customer commitment and market acceptance. The sample consisted of 357 marketing directors and marketing managers from hotels in Phuket Province. Data were analyzed using multiple regression statistics and mediation testing through bootstrapping method. Results revealed that relationship marketing had the strongest positive influence on market acceptance (β = 0.66, p < 0.01), followed by marketing competitive capability (β = 0.61, p < 0.01), marketing profitability (β = 0.58, p < 0.01), and customer commitment (β = 0.45, p < 0.01). Marketing competitive capability functioned as a partial mediator between relationship marketing and marketing profitability, with an indirect effect of 0.12 (95% CI [0.08, 0.17]). The findings support the integration of Relationship Marketing Theory and Resource-Based View in explaining the mechanism of marketing profitability creation in the hotel industry, and confirm the importance of building long-term relationships with stakeholders in creating sustainable competitive advantage and performance.

Factors influencing the decision of South Korean families to send their children to international schools in Phuket

Nattatinna Ratchasom, Punchida Saenphithak — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the decision-making process of South Korean families in sending their children to study at international schools in Phuket Province. The research employs a qualitative research methodology using a case study approach to gain an in-depth understanding of parents’ experiences, perspectives, and perceptions within the social and educational context. The participants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of four South Korean families whose children had been enrolled in international schools in Phuket for at least one year. The findings reveal that the decision-making factors can be explained through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Parents placed significant emphasis on social safety and a secure learning environment, corresponding to safety needs, along with the quality of curricula and educational standards. Furthermore, the development of English language proficiency and preparation for higher education in an international context reflect higher-level needs, including esteem and self-actualization. These findings indicate that choosing an international school represents a strategic decision-making process that integrates multiple levels of human needs in a systematic manner.

English Language Learning through Collaborative Interactive Digital Storytelling to Enhance Analytical Thinking Skills of Grade 3 Students

Rimtarn Punthuchong, Sirinthorn Sinjindawong — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to (1) develop an English learning model integrating collaborative learning with interactive digital storytelling (2) compare Grade 3 students’ analytical thinking skills before and after the intervention, and (3) compare analytical thinking skills between students in the experimental group and those receiving conventional instruction. Eighty-one thirdgraders participated in the study; forty-two were in the experimental group and thirty-nine were in the control group. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was employed.The research instruments included five English lesson plans totaling 13 instructional hours and a scenario-based analytical thinking test covering three dimensions: cause-and-effect analysis, situational evaluation, and information synthesis for decisionmaking. The test was administered as a pretest and a posttest. Data were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviations, and t-tests. The developed lesson plans were rated by experts as having the highest level of appropriateness. Students in the experimental group achieved significantly higher analytical thinking skills after the intervention (t = 25.03, p <.001, Cohen's d = 3.86), and significantly outperformed the control group with a very large effect size (t = 9.85, p < .001, Cohen's d = 2.24). These findings indicate that integrating collaborative learning with interactive digital storytelling effectively enhances students’ analytical thinking skills

An evaluation of the Master of Science Program and the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Drug and Cosmetic Innovation, Walailak University

Patsamon Palee — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to: 1) evaluate the Master of Science Program in Drug and Cosmetic Innovation (New Curriculum, 2020) and the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Drug and Cosmetic Innovation (Revised Curriculum, 2021); and 2) analyze key trends and directions in instructional management based on the perspectives of experts and stakeholders. The target participants comprised six groups: current students (n=8), alumni (n=4), administrators (n=2), faculty members (n=11), instructors (n=13), and employers (n=8). The study employed Stufflebeam and Shinkfield’s CIPP Model as the evaluation framework to facilitate curriculum enhancement. Data was collected through questionnaires and focus group interviews, then analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) Context: The curricula were highly appropriate and aligned with national strategies, human resource development policies, the university’s mission, and societal needs, including the programs' philosophy, objectives, structure, and course content. 2) Input: The inputs were rated at the highest level of appropriateness. 3) Process: Regarding instructional management, the expected attributes were at the highest level and exceeded the actual attributes. 4) Product: All students achieved an "S" grade, with thesis progress aligning with the curriculum plan. Furthermore, employers expressed the highest level of satisfaction regarding the graduates' ethics and professional performance.