Group Learning Process for Gambling Awareness among Children and Youth in Thai-Cambodian Border Communities

Abstract

The objective of this research is to find ways to educate schoolers and to raise their awareness on gambling problems by using group learning process for children and youth in the local community. The study applies a qualitative approach to organize group processes through the use of selected tools.  The five learning tools employed include 1. ‘Treasure Island’ learning series, 2. ‘Dialogue Theatre’, 3. Dream Ranger board game, 4. Bug Xiang Miang card game, and 5. XO hint game. The participants consist of 13 youth community leaders and 50 students. It was found that using the gambling learning tool kits can create a positive inner trait among children and young people to know how to overcome gambling urges. These attributes were reflected by the players' behaviors during each play. The leader of the game, such as board game or card game process, must focus on observing the players’ behaviors exhibited spontaneously and naturally without being noticed.  At the same time, they need to make sure that the observees must not be realized being observed.  Such behaviors observed are in the form of facial expressions, expressions of the eyes, gestures, tones of voice, speech and language use, the use of interjections, etc. The results also reveal that the process of employing learning tools has both strengths and weaknesses.