JUTHARAT JITPRANEE -
PROMMIN SONGSIRISAK (Chiang Rai Rajabhat University )
KANNIKAR KANTAMAS (Chiang Rai Rajabhat University )

DEVELOPMENT OF STORYTELLING TRAINING MODEL FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS’ LEARNING IN SCHOOL USING PICTURE SERIES : TEACHING YOUNG LEARNERS

This study investigates the knowledge and functions embodied in different ethnic folktales and develops a training model for students’ learning in school. Data were gathered from 11 ethnic storytellers who provided 15 different stories from four ethnic groups in Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Afterwards these stories were documented in Thai, English, and Chinese and adapted into storytelling training lessons. One adapted lesson using picture series was used as a training model for 11 ethnic secondary students who afterwards reflected their attitudes towards the training model by responding to a set of questionnaires and open-response questions. Data were analyzed by using story analysis framework, descriptive statistics, and content analysis techniques. Findings showed that the ethnic folktales can be classified into 6 typologies including Gods and Goddesses, Parental Gratitude, Love and Family, Magic Spells and Ghosts, Life and Destiny, and Animals. Each story had at least one aspect of storytelling knowledge and served one storytelling function. However, for those which had more than one storytelling knowledge and one storytelling function, the intent was to transmit cultural values, provide motivation, and to change particular behaviors. Additionally, results from the training revealed that students had positive attitudes towards the training model used in the study. They perceived that the training using local stories can reinforce language and cultural learning, develop critical thinking skills, and increase storytelling abilities. Therefore, this study shows that students can use local stories as a way for their learning and communicating with others outside their cultural group.

Jutharat is currently a lecturer at the Department of Western Languages, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. She is interested in doing research in the fields of culture, intercultural communication, linguistics, language teaching and teacher professional development.

Prommin is a current assistant professor at Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University. He has been teaching at the university for more than 10 years. His research interests are L2 writing, intercultural communication, task-based teaching, English language teaching, and teacher professional development.

Kannikar is a current lecturer at the Department of Western Languages, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Rai Rajahbat University. Her research interests include English for airline and mass media, intercultural communication, and language learning and teaching.