Results of organizing extra-curricular activities using experiential learning concept for enhancing analytical thinking skills of vocational students

Abstract

         This research aimed to 1) To study the results of organizing extracurricular activities in mathematics to enhance analytical thinking skills using the concept of experiential learning for vocational students. 2) To propose a guideline for enhancing analytical thinking skills of vocational students from extra-curricular activities by using the concept of experiential learning. The research design is quantitative research, which is a research and development. The sample group is 30 vocational students of Pak Chong Commercial Technology College, using simple random sampling. There are 2 types of research tools: 1) Extra-curricular activities plan 2) Vocational students' analytical thinking skills test. Data were analyzed using basic statistics. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation and t-test.

        The results were as follows:

1. After organizing extra-curricular activities using experiential learning concepts for vocational students to enhance their analytical thinking skills, the students showed higher analytical thinking ability than before the extra-curricular activities.
2. The study revealed that to enhance analytical thinking skills of vocational students, vocational institutions should systematically integrate experiential learning concepts into extra-curricular activities by promoting “hands-on practice” and reflection to practice analytical thinking, especially in fields requiring professional skills. Teachers play a role as “knowledge facilitators” rather than knowledge transmitters, providing opportunities to learn through real-world situations. Vocational institutions should systematically integrate extra-curricular activities aligned with the experiential learning concept into learning and learner development plans.