The Development of a Tourism Interpreter Curriculum in the Multicultural Community of Betong District, Yala Province
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Abstract
This research aimed to: 1) study the problems, work processes, and supporting factors regarding tourism interpreters in the multicultural community of Betong District, Yala Province; 2) develop a curriculum for tourism interpreters in this multicultural community of Betong District, Yala Province; 3) implement the developed curriculum in multicultural communities of Betong District, Yala Province; and 4) evaluate and improve the tourism interpreter curriculum in multicultural communities of Betong District, Yala Province. The sample consisted of tourism interpreters in Betong District, Yala Province. This research employed a research and development approach. selected through purposive sampling, divided into: a problem study group of 80 participants and a curriculum implementation group of 40 participants (10 in the pilot group and 30 in the actual implementation group). The research instruments included a problem state questionnaire, a curriculum quality assessment form, an achievement test, a satisfaction questionnaire , and a curriculum efficiency and value. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. The research findings were as follows: 1) The state of problems and work processes of the tourism interpreters were overall at a high level. 2) The developed curriculum consisted of 7 learning units totaling 22 hours. The quality and appropriateness of the curriculum were assessed at the highest level. 3) Participants in both experimental groups achieved post-training scores significantly higher than pre-training scores at the .05 level, and their satisfaction with the curriculum was at the highest level. 4) The overall efficiency and value of the curriculum were at a high level, with key strengths in content coverage and the fostering of local pride. The study suggests increasing practical hours for communication skills to further build trainees' confidence.
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