The study of Chinese language learning behavior through social media by students in the Chinese language education program at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University

Abstract

    This research aims to study the Chinese language learning behavior through social media of students in the Chinese language education program at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. The researcher divided the research process into two parts: 1) Quantitative data was collected using a multiple-choice questionnaire from 80 Chinese language students. The questionnaire included questions about general information, Chinese language learning behavior through social media, and the benefits of learning Chinese through social media. The data was then gathered for analysis and used to select key informants. 2) Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with 16 key informants, focusing on methods of learning Chinese through social media, the benefits of learning through social media, and the application of Chinese language knowledge in both classrooms learning and daily life. The interview data was then analyzed descriptively.

    The research found that 93.75% of students had learned Chinese through social media, with TikTok being the most popular platform at 31.25%. TikTok, a social media platform for short videos, aligns with the most preferred learning method, which is video clips, favored by 57.50% of the students. The benefits of learning Chinese through social media include the ability to choose both the content and the learning style according to individual preferences. The content on social media tends to be concise, focusing on specific topics, which helps to condense knowledge and avoid overwhelming the learner. The content most sought after by learners is general knowledge about China, at 31.25%. Additionally, 47.05% of students who passed the HSK levels 2, 3, and 4 had previously learned Chinese through social media. The research results can be used by instructors to design Chinese language teaching methods, such as creating short instructional clips related to weekly lesson content, allowing students to review after class. This approach enables students to review the material repeatedly, anytime and anywhere, reducing the pressure of classroom learning and offering a way to extend their learning outside of class, while also providing a guide for designing their own learning strategies.