Enhancing Academic Achievement on Plant Propagation through Place-Based Learning for Matthayom Suksa 3 Students

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the academic achievement on Plant Propagation of Matthayom Suksa 3 students through place-based learning based on the 80% average criterion; 2) to compare academic achievement before and after learning; and 3) to study student satisfaction with place-based learning. This was an experimental research using a sample of 26 students. The research instruments included 1) a place-based lesson plan, 2) an achievement test, and 3) a satisfaction questionnaire. The research instruments had an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) greater than 0.50. The test had a difficulty index between 0.29–0.79, a discrimination index between 0.25–0.75, and a reliability coefficient of 0.83. Data analysis used mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing with a correlated t-test. The research findings revealed that 1) post-test scores on plant propagation of Matthayom Suksa 3 students using place-based learning had a mean score of 80% ( = 81.35, S.D.= 1.80); 2) post-test scores on plant propagation using place-based learning were significantly higher than pre-test scores at the .01 statistical significance level; and 3) overall student satisfaction with place-based learning was at the highest level ( = 4.69, S.D.= 0.10). These findings reflected that managing vocational education in a place-based learning format benefited students, namely student learning will be connected and meaningful to their lives within the real-world context of their own community. Emphasis was placed on using local communities as learning spaces or laboratories, serving as a foundation to promote global studies and multiculturalism. Direct experiences and deeper understanding helped students gain knowledge and comprehension through the study and exploration of issues related to their local community and citizenship. They will recognize the interconnectedness of all things and see the relationship between their community and the global social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental context.