Academic and Research Journal of Liberal Arts (Online)

The Adjustment to Online Learning of Chinese Exchange Students In the New Normal Era: A Case Study at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University

Wilai Thamvaja — 2024-12-25

This research aims to study the learning problems, method of adjustment, and online learning adjustment process among Chinese exchange students. Mixed methods research was employed to achieve these objectives. The sample consisted of 65 Chinese exchange students in the batch 15^th studying in the Bachelor of Arts program in communicative Thai as a second language program. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The statistics used were the mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency value, and Pearson Product Moment Coefficient. The results of this study revealed that: 1) problems with online learning among Chinese exchange students ranged from most common problems to least common. The most common problem was communication problems, followed by attitude and behavioral problems, learning methods problems, environmental problems, curriculum and teaching problems, social and cultural problems, and technological problems, respectively. 2) the method of adjustment is found that most students adapt to struggle (48.40%) followed by a compromise reaction (47.84%), and withdrawal reaction (3.76%), respectively. 3) the adjustment process can be divided into 4 phases according to the U-Curve Model, including the honeymoon period, coping period, adjustment period, and post-adjustment period which looks like it spins around many times. Besides, some students do not have a honeymoon period. However, there is a culture shock and it leads to a frustration stage. So effective online learning requires collaboration between instructors, students, in terms of curriculum, and universities.

Using Self-Made Videos and Facebook Groups to Promote Motivation and Satisfaction on the Speaking Skills of International Program Students

Derey Nanquil-Panes — 2024-12-25

Teaching speaking as a skill has been a challenge for EFL language instructors as most students struggle to use the spoken language. This study focused on the motivation and satisfaction of learners about their speaking skills using self-made videos and Facebook groups as a platform to go with online learning during pandemic times. The conceptual design comprises strategies carefully crafted toward achieving motivation and satisfaction. This quantitative research utilized a descriptive design aimed at using both factors mentioned to significantly affect motivation and achieving satisfaction in developing speaking skills. Yamane’s formula and the fishbowl technique determined the 29 participants who were first-year English-Chinese Major students at a private university taking extra English course in the summer term of 2020. It utilized an instructor-made questionnaire on the four areas, intrinsic-extrinsic and instrumental-integrative motivation, tested for reliability and validity. Statistically, the Likert Scale analyzed the data using frequency and percentage. The study yielded the following: 1. Self-made videos and Facebook groups motivate students to a great extent to improve their speaking skills, with grammatical accuracy rated the highest, and 2. The students are generally satisfied with their speaking skills in fluency and grammatical accuracy. Based on these results, it is recommended that teachers focus more on speech drills and grammatical accuracy, backing up studies on using a student-centered approach with guided instruction employing real-life-based activities.

The Analysis of Approaches to Low Carbon Tourism Management in Thailand by Using Koh Mak Island, Trat Province as a Case Study

Thareethip Laowirojanakul — 2024-12-25

The objectives of this study are to 1) examine the components of low-carbon tourism from academic sources 2) examine the practical management of low-carbon tourism in the Koh Mak Island area, Trat province, based on data from various media sources and 3) to analyze and determine suitable management strategies for the low-carbon tourism in Thailand. This study collected data from 2 sources: a) academic sources from the TCI database and Google Scholar and b) media sources presenting information about low-carbon tourism in Koh Mak Island, using content analysis to analyze the data. The study found that 1) the components of carbon tourism from academic sources were summarized and synthesized into 8 components: low-carbon communities, low-carbon tourist attractions, low-carbon accommodations, low-carbon food, low-carbon activities, low-carbon transportation, network cooperation, and publicity. 2) The management of the low carbon tourism in Koh Mak Island, Trat province was categorized into 9 components. The 1^st – 8^th components were similar to the first finding while the 9^th was energy management. 3) The analysis of approaches of low carbon tourism management in Thailand through integrating the first and second findings was derived 9 concepts. The current study is expected to fulfill the body of knowledge regarding low-carbon tourism that communities and relevant organizations can apply to enhance and develop low-carbon tourism management. These strategies aim to promote effective management practices for low-carbon tourism in Thailand, fostering sustainability for the future.

Techniques for Conveying the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Historical Thai Novels, 1938–2019Lurong

Lurong Niu — 2024-12-25

This research aims to study techniques for conveying the Ayutthaya Kingdom in thirteen historical Thai novels, published between 1938 and 2019. Four literary elements are identified as techniques for conveying the Ayutthaya Kingdom's literal meanings and connotations: character; dialogue; setting; and point of view. Characterization in the novels studied focuses directly on the political aspects and indirectly on international relations and cultural aspects of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Regarding dialogue, the novels primarily address cultural issues, including references to government, foreign affairs, and the economy. Regarding the setting, the direct meanings conveyed concern about living conditions, the economy, and culture, while indirect meanings related to government are also conveyed. Two types of points of view are used, namely the omniscient point of view and the first-person point of view, to present both positive and negative views on living conditions, the military; government, and so on. In conclusion, all four elements in the novels studied convey both similar and different meanings of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, allowing readers to acknowledge and comprehend its various dimensions as the authors intended to present.

The Perspective on the Lower Class in George Orwell's Translated Literature

Truong Thi Hang — 2024-12-25

This study examines George Orwell's portrayal of the lower class through an analysis of seven translated works: three non-fiction books (Down and Out in Paris and London, Homage to Catalonia, and Selected Essays) and four novels (Burmese Days, A Clergyman's Daughter, Animal Farm, and 1984). The research reveals Orwell's nuanced depiction of the lower class in both colonial and Western contexts, highlighting their strengths and limitations. In colonial settings, the lower class is characterized by generosity but also cunning and a lack of foresight. In Western societies, Orwell portrays them as generous and industrious, while also exhibiting traits such as cunning, short-sightedness, lack of discipline, and arrogance. This analysis provides insights into Orwell's complex understanding of class dynamics across different societal structures.

Representations of the Ideal Male in Thai Television Dramas, from 2013 to 2022

Zhang Liqun — 2024-12-25

The ideal male is a key element of romance in Thai television dramas. This research aims to analyze twelve dramas broadcasted from 2013 to 2022. Content analysis is applied as the research methodology, and findings are reported as descriptive. The research identifies three ways the ideal male is represented in the studied romance dramas, as follows: 1) Presentation through the plot, where positive characteristics of the male protagonist are shown in the exposition; during plot complications, the male protagonist encounters problems and successfully resolves them; the resolution typically ends with the happy marriage of the male protagonist and his true love.” 2) Presentation of outer appearances of the male protagonists, who are mainly portrayed as handsome, well-dressed - usually in uniforms, with good personalities and professional careers. 3) Presentation of inner characteristics, including wisdom, bravery, generosity, gentlemanly conduct, responsibility, kindness, humor, and being helpful with household tasks.” Through these three presentations, romance Thai television dramas have created representations of the ideal male in the minds of the audience.

Thai Way of Life as Portrayed in Inhalant Advertising on Chinese Application

Zhihong Li — 2024-12-25

This research article aims to study the Thai way of life through inhalant advertising in some Chinese applications. Using purposive sampling, the researcher studied 3 applications, totaling 112 advertising information from 13 brands. The researcher analyzed the content of inhalant advertising information to reflect the Thai way of life. The study found that the inhalant advertising reflected three aspects of Thai life: 1) the wisdom of Thai people in using herbal medicines. 2) the behaviors of Thai people, including a preference for items that create a refreshing feeling, Thai people's travel habits, a love for convenience, and the influence of famous personalities on purchasing decisions for goods and services, 3) the education of Thai people showing their way of life and abilities resulting from the accumulation of diverse knowledge. The inhalant advertising was used among the Chinese but reflected the Thai way of life. This is one way of presenting Thai culture that reaches target groups in China, attracting Chinese consumers to see the characteristics of Thai people and understand the Thai way of life.