A Study on The Need to Develop a Curriculum to Enhance Communication Competence and Interpersonal Relationships among High School Students

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the essential information for developing a curriculum to enhance communication competence and interpersonal relationships among high school students and 2) explore strategies for developing a curriculum to enhance communication competence and interpersonal relationships among high school students. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods. The sample consisted of 1) 10 Thai language teachers, 2) 12 students, and 3) 7 experts in curriculum development, teaching, and assessment. The sample was selected through purposive sampling. The data collection tools included: 1) focus group discussion topics for students, 2) focus group discussion topics for Thai language teachers, 3) structured interviews with experts, and 4) observation of teachers' teaching and students' learning behavior. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings were as follows: 1) The indicators and content in the core curriculum do not align with the class time allocated. The learning is more focused on exam preparation rather than applying it to daily life. Teachers' instructional methods emphasize lecturing content rather than providing students with opportunities to practice, resulting in a lack of student engagement, boredom, and a failure to appreciate the value of learning.  2) The development strategy should involve creating a supplementary curriculum or training program outside regular class hours. The curriculum should include theoretical and practical components and provide opportunities for students to engage in individual, pair, and group activities that foster communication competence development and positive interpersonal relationships. Regarding the design of course activities, the curriculum should be structured around Active Learning, which emphasizes hands-on, practical learning experiences.