A Study of Transformative Knowledge into Practices in Multicultural Society of Undergraduate Students Majoring in Event Management

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate students' problems in transferring theoretical knowledge to the practices of exhibition management; 2) to put acquired knowledge into practice where students can evaluate themselves through exhibition management; and 3) to investigate guidelines for developing teaching and learning management that assist students in applying classroom knowledge in the future in a multicultural society. The study used a mixed-methods approach, with quantitative data collected via questionnaire from students at both public and private universities. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with experts and lecturers in the exhibition management major.

From the study, the following results have been found: 1) Problems discovered include students studying only theories in the classroom but failing to demonstrate their ability to integrate theory into practice. Theoretical learning in the classroom focuses solely on planning, management, layout, participants, and budget; 2) On knowledge management, it is discovered that students are unable to manage their knowledge in terms of connecting and transferring classroom theory into practice. The projects that students learn in the classroom are only a simulation of situation which is different from reality; and 3) The guidelines for developing teaching and learning management in event and exhibition management should emphasize the importance of improving skills in detailed planning. Students should be trained to be effective communicators, problem solvers, and administrators of work in a variety of areas.