The Effects of Using an Integrated Activity Package Combining Thai Patterns and Para Rubber Art Tools for Learning Thai Art among Upper Secondary Students

Abstract

Thai art is a cultural heritage worth conserving and transmitting to the youth, leading to the development of art activities integrating Thai patterns with art tools made from Para rubber. The objectives of this research were: 1) to design an activity package covering four categories of Thai art using Para rubber, and 2) to study the effects of usage and student satisfaction towards the activity package and tools. This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology, involving a target group of 20 upper secondary school students and art education experts. The research results revealed the development of an activity package named "Yang Ngai Thai Art," comprising four specific kits: 1) the "Kanok Ngam Dee" hat painting kit (Kanok category), 2) the "Nari Sopha" foam doll painting kit (Nari category), 3) the "Krabi Leela" cup painting kit (Krabi category), and 4) the "Phana Kacha" crystal art kit (Kacha category). Student satisfaction was at a good level (  = 4.45, S.D. = 0.697), with particular interest in the Kanok and Nari categories, while experts evaluated the appropriateness at a very good level ( = 4.57, S.D. = 0.288). Interview results indicated that the activities enhanced art skills, creativity, and concentration; regarding knowledge, students understood the meaning, origins, and characteristics of Thai patterns in each category and could appropriately apply this knowledge. Consequently, this research adapts Thai art to be more contemporary and suited to the new generation, making it more accessible, while also developing materials from Para rubber to create art tools, thereby sustainably adding value to domestic resources.