Development And Instruction Guildlines Of Thai Classical Dance Curriculum For Learner In Foreign Country

Abstract

This research aimed at 1) identifying the issues, obstacles, and necessities of teaching and learning Thai classical dance for foreign learners abroad; and 2) developing curricula and providing some guidelines for teaching Thai classical dance for the referred group. This study employed an in-depth interview by adopting questionnaires and demonstrating drafts of the

curriculum accompanied by its modules to allow them to inquire and share their comments in the group discussion. The results revealed that most students raised in foreign countries showed a slight interest in Thai culture. However, parents were likely to encourage and promote the awareness of the Thai culture's importance and wanted them to absorb the culture through learning it. In addition, they hoped that their children might have a chance to perform it one day. The participants expressed their concerns that the curriculum should be well-prepared and in accordance with the teaching and learning standards appropriately. The structure of modules included content, learning management guidelines, teaching media, measurements, and evaluation guidelines. However, such modules and approaches should respond to different learners. Therefore, the modules can be flexible enough to meet different learners' backgrounds and external factors, such as different situations. The module can be divided into six levels according to the learners' abilities. Finally, the curriculum's objectives can be generated into seven items, namely, (1) to be able to practice and prepare to practice in learning Thai classical dances correctly and appropriately; (2) to be able to recognize the basic terminology correctly; (3) to be capable of using some basic Thai dancing terms and composing a short conversation relevant to them appropriately; (4) to study some Thai songs origins and history. Furthermore, learners can understand and appreciate the music. Therefore, they can employ some basic Thai dramatic arts terms and gestures in order to perform some basic dances accompaniment to the music; (5) to recognize characters' costumes' names; (6) to be able to put on some intricate Thai classical dancing costumes; finally, (7) to be able to create some essential equipment and use it along with the song that they learn.