Khon Mon Sam Khok: The Cultural Heritage of Pathum Thani Province for Integrating Learning in the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture Learning Area at Sam Khok School under Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization

Abstract

            This research aimed to 1) study the cultural heritage, beliefs, traditions and rituals, arts and folk games, and indigenous knowledge of the Mon people of Sam Khok and Pathum Thani Province; and 2) integrate learning within the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture learning area at Sam Khok School under the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization. The informants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of three groups 1)a group of key informants, comprising individuals with in-depth knowledge of the beliefs, traditions and rituals, arts and folk games, and indigenous knowledge of the Mon people of Sam Khok and Pathum Thani; 2) a practitioner group, consisting of teachers, students, and local community members within the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization; and  3) a general group, comprising members of the general public within the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization.This study employed qualitative cultural research methods. The research instruments used for data collection included surveys, interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and workshops.

            The research findings revealed that: 1) the cultural heritage, beliefs, traditions and rituals, arts and folk games, and indigenous knowledge of the Mon people of Sam Khok and Pathum Thani consisted of beliefs and rituals of the Mon people of Sam Khok and Pathum Thani;traditions and rituals of the Mon people in Pathum Thani Province; Mon arts and folk games;Mon traditional dress; Mon attire;indigenous knowledge of the Mon people; the construction of Mon identity and cultural group formation; and the preservation of cultural identity through the Federation of Thai–Mon Descendants of Pathum Thani Province. 2) The integration of learning within the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture learning area at Sam Khok School under the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization focused on developing integrated learning between Mon cultural content and hands-on activities as well as community-based learning. This approach promoted active learner participation, enhanced understanding of local culture, and fostered pride in learners’ own identities. The instructional design emphasized five key aspects: 2.1) learner-centered learning; 2.2) clear identification of study themes; 2.3) cultivation of awareness, values, and ethics; 2.4) creation of a learning environment that encouraged creativity; and 2.5) data collection, analysis, and synthesis.