The Influence of External Cultures on Art, Music, and Dance Education Students: A Case Study of Thailand and Lao PDR

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to analyze cultural influences from both inside and outside the ASEAN Community that have effects on art, music education, and dance students in Thailand and Lao PDR by studying Thai, English, and Lao documents as well as research regarding problems in Thailand and Lao PDR, using a focus group discussion and an in-depth interview. Three groups of participants were drawn using purposeful sampling from Thailand and Lao PDR: policymakers of art, music, and dance education; directors of undergraduate institutions that offer art, music, and dance education; and teachers of art, music, and dance education. There are 18 participants in total (3 persons for each group per country). The findings showed that the cultures inside and outside the ASEAN Community that have had effects on the values and lifestyles of art, music, and dance education students in Thailand and Lao PDR included food consumption, fashion and clothing, the music and entertainment industry, and media and technology. The cultural influence that has had the most impact on students is media and technology, which plays an important role in disseminating information and knowledge about foreign lifestyles. The technology such as basic computer programs, the internet, social media and specialized programs were used as a part of teaching and learning.