The Integration of Language Knowledge and Lao Wiang Folklores into Learning Innovation for Students in Donka Sub-district, U Thong District, Suphanburi Province

Abstract

This Research has two main objectives: 1) Integrate knowledge on language and folklore of the Lao Vieng ethnic group, and 2) Develop learning innovations related to the language and folklore of the Lao Vieng ethnic group for the youth. This research was conducted by implementing qualitative research methods based on educational entertainment theory, cultural heritage concepts, and concepts of representation, mean, and standard deviation. The research results indicate that the integration process produced two sets of knowledge: 1) Learning materials on language and culture for the youth of Don Ka Village, and 2) Exhibition-style knowledge materials for presentation to the academic public for review and extraction of knowledge, to develop appropriate learning innovations. The innovation takes the form of a set of activities including discussions, demonstrations of traditional Don Ka practices, camps, drama, and toys. Observations by participating teachers for evaluating learning behaviors found that this innovation, in the form of a set of activities, promoted learning with a learner-centered approach. It enhanced social skills, communication, and collaboration, and fostered pride and appreciation for the local language and folk tales. The approach and methods are deemed suitable for use as supplementary local curriculum activities. The overall quality was rated at 4.40 (SD = 0.50), indicating a very high level of appropriateness.