THE EFFECTS OF ANIMATED CARTOON AND OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS LEARNING PROVISION ON AESTHETIC THINKING OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the effects of aesthetic thinking among young children through learning experiences integrating animated cartoons and open-ended questions. The samples, selected by cluster random sampling, consisted of 20 young children aged 5-6 years, enrolled in Kindergarten Year 3, Class 2, in the 2023 academic year at Chumchon Wat Ratniyom School in Nonthaburi Province. The research instruments included 1) the lesson plans integrating animated cartoons and open-ended questions to foster aesthetic thinking of young children, and 2) the aesthetic thinking assessment form for young learners. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, standard deviation, and t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The results of this research showed that the post-experimental mean scores of aesthetic thinking among the young learners were significantly higher than the pre-experimental scores at the .01 level of statistical significance, both overall and in specific aspects. These aspects included 1) perception through sensory experiences, 2) the emergence of diverse emotions, 3) the ability to articulate internal thoughts, and 4) the application of information and experiences to create new ideas. However, no significant difference was found between the pre- and post- experimental mean scores in the aspect of appreciating aesthetic values.