DEVELOPMENT THAI CLASSICAL DANCING SKILLS OF GRADE 7 STUDENTS THROUGH PEER ASSISTED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to analyze why students could not practice Thai classical dancing skills and to develop their practices (performances) by employing peer assisted learning activities and positive reinforcement. The samples were five grade 7 students from Matayomtaksin Rayong School in Rayong province.

The research findings showed that: 1) the reasons that students could not practice Thai classical dancing skills were as follows: Thai Performing Art courses emphasized theories rather than posture skills, so students seemed to lack motivation in their development; and the curriculum focused on science and mathematics; 2) after joining the Peer Assisted Learning and getting positive reinforcement, students were able to be more skillful in their performances.