Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences

Conceptual Understanding of Mathematics among Pre-service Teachers: A Socio-Metacognitive Structural Model Generation

Derren N. Gaylo — 2024-11-20

The study developed a best-fit structural model of pre-service teachers' (PSTs) conceptual understanding of mathematics by examining factors like mathematical mindsets, school climate, and metacognition. Conducted in three teacher education institutions in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, the study involved 823 PSTs during the 2022-2023 school year. Four research instruments were used: a mathematics conceptual understanding test and scales for measuring mathematical mindset, school climate, and metacognition, all validated by experts and tested for reliability. Data analysis included using the mean to assess levels of the key factors, Pearson correlation to explore relationships, and regression to identify predictors of conceptual understanding. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to generate the best-fit model based on goodness of fit indices. Results showed that PSTs had an incomplete level of conceptual understanding of mathematics, despite high levels of mathematical mindsets, positive school climates, and strong metacognition. All three factors were significantly and positively correlated with conceptual understanding. The model revealed that mathematical mindsets, school climate, and metacognition significantly predicted PSTs' conceptual understanding. The best-fit model, called the Socio-Metacognitive Conceptual Understanding Model for PSTs (SCUMPT), suggested that PSTs' conceptual understanding is shaped by the reciprocal interaction between their metacognitive skills and awareness within a supportive school environment.

Improving Seventh-Grader Online Learning Engagement Using Assessment Feedback and Self-Regulated Learning Strategies

Puttisak Naewtong — 2024-10-24

The global spread of COVID-19 necessitated a shift from classroom-based to online learning, resulting in decreased student engagement at an inner-city school in Bangkok. This article explores the use of assessment feedback and self-regulated learning strategies to enhance student engagement. The researchers employed a two-cycle action research model, consisting of four stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. The study was conducted over four weeks with 35 seventh-grade students, using observations, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis during each cycle. The findings revealed an increase in student participation, with more students consistently logging into class and remaining engaged throughout. Additionally, students demonstrated the confidence to turn on their cameras to greet peers and showed a greater commitment to learning. Peer support emerged as an important factor in their studies. Teachers provided feedback through Google Classroom and e-Portfolios, promoting student autonomy, which led to increased engagement and fostered desirable learning behaviors that may be applicable in other educational contexts.

Enhancing Ramtone Nokphithid Dance: Integrating Folk Performance into Tourism Activities and Community Products in Thailand

Methawee Chamnian — 2024-10-28

This research aimed to enhance the Ramtone Nokphithid Dance, a folk performance from Krung Ching Sub-district, Nopphitham District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, dating back to World War II, by promoting it through tourism activities and community products. It also sought to evaluate tourists’ satisfaction with these activities and products, which were based on the story of the dance. This mixed-method study used Participatory Action Research (PAR) to engage the research team and local communities in enhancing the Ramtone Nokphithid Dance for publicity through tourism activities and community products. Group discussions and observations were conducted with three communities that support the Ramtone Nokphithid Dance, involving 10–12 participants from each group. Workshops were held to develop the dance’s public presence through tourism activities and products. To assess tourist satisfaction, survey research was conducted using questionnaires with 10 purposively selected participants, including representatives from relevant sectors, media, and tourists. Data were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis and quantitatively through statistical methods to describe, summarize, and compare results. The findings revealed that three communities successfully integrated the Ramtone Nokphithid Dance into tourism activities and products: (1) Ramtone Nokphithid Dance and Po Aod Tie-Dye at Krung Ching community, (2) Ramtone Nokphithid Dance Learning Center, herbal compress balls, and scented bags at Moo 2 community, and (3) Moral Community and Nokphithid keychains at Moo 6, Ban Pak Long community. These activities and products were promoted by the communities themselves and shared with tourists through community media and personal social media platforms. The evaluation of tourists’ satisfaction with the enhanced and publicized tourism activities and community products based on the Ramtone Nokphithid Dance indicated a high level of satisfaction.

Unveiling Physicians’ Work Passion amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study from a Hospital in Thailand

Kamoltip Lertchaisataporn — 2024-11-08

This qualitative study explored the key components of work passion among physicians in the Thai medical context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an appreciative inquiry approach with 30 full-time physicians employed at a Thai public hospital. The study identified ten key themes of work passion, corresponding to three dimensions: Cognitive (can-do attitude, learning and knowledge development), Affective (enthusiasm, joy, pride, fulfillment), and Behavioral (going above and beyond, altruism, continuous growth, and commitment to remain in the organization and profession). This conceptualization of physicians' work passion provides a foundation for future research in Thai healthcare, contributing to theoretical understanding and guiding the development of precise measurement tools for more accurate assessment. A deeper understanding of work passion may help improve healthcare management, ultimately enhancing clinical practice.

Sensory Characteristics of Thong Pha Phum GI Rambutan to Approach the Future Product Based on the Perceptions and Experiences of Various Consumer Groups

Karan Phromthep — 2024-11-20

This study aims to investigate the conceptualizations of product development for Thong Pha Phum GI rambutan based on the perceptions and experiences of various consumer groups —culinary chefs (n=20), producers (n=20), academics (n=20), and general public (n=20), and to explore the emotional responses and wellness perceptions related to the future Thong Pha Phum GI rambutan product. The interview questions were designed to focus on the material's pain points, solutions, and overall concept as well as the emotional responses and wellness perceptions. According to the findings, four consumer groups can be distinguished, each with unique concepts to address their needs and produce novel products and uses of Thong Pha Phum GI rambutan. The generation of ideas is influenced by experience. The academic experts and producers discussed the production of the new products using high technology and innovation while the general public and the group of chefs focused on the ready-to-eat products. Exploring the emotional responses and wellness perceptions through corresponding analysis revealed that most people (from 4 different groups) appreciated and interpreted the Thong Pha Phum GI rambutan product as healthy, relaxing, energetic, satisfying, evoking happy and joyful emotional responses. This research offered consumer insights related to Thong Pha Phum GI rambutan material and unique products, which could be valuable for positioning and marketing of regional foods. It can also guide producers in the food industry.