Development of Learning Activities for on Local Identity Through Puppet Performance: Case of watpaklsd School Samuthsongkram Province

Abstract

         Puppet performance has a long history as an innovative form of the performing arts. Puppetry is a form of art practiced in Samut Songkhram province. Learning can also be stimulated by integrating science with a variety of arts. It is the latent fun of folk performance and uses eloquence, intelligence, quick answers, and traditional beliefs. It is a medium that aids children in communicating with knowledge, insight, and the awareness of local identity. The objectives of this research were as follows: (1) to develop puppet show activities for youth according to the local identity of Wat Paklat School (Plakarn Bamrungwit) and Samut Songkhram Province; (2) to study the effects of using puppet show activities for youth on local knowledge and understanding. The sample of this research consisted of 18 students studying in Grade Five at Wat Paklat School (Plakarn Bamrungwit). The study period is the first semester of the 2020 academic year. The duration was two hours per week for eight weeks, and a total of 16 hours. The results indicated the following: (1) the posttest scores of the students learning with puppet show activities for the youth, based in their local identity, which was higher than the pretest score with a statistical significance level of .05.  This was because the teaching and learning management model relied on the teaching and learning model of practical skills proposed by Davies. After organizing activities using puppetry as a learning medium of local identity (Coconut sugar making), their posttest scores were higher than their pretest scores with a  statistical significance level of .05; (2) students learning the puppet show activities for youth, based on their local identity, had the highest level of their satisfaction because the students who performed activities took more pleasure in and had fun while learning and were more motivated to learn; and (3) students learning the puppet show activities for youth, based on their local identity and had a high level of local pride.