INTERPRETING HERITAGE PLACES TO YOUNG CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF METHODS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT PHIMAI HISTORICAL PARK, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE By Miss Walairujee Wichienthawee A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Program in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism International Program Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2016 Copyright of Graduate School, Silpakorn University INTERPRETING HERITAGE PLACES TO YOUNG CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF METHODS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT PHIMAI HISTORICAL PARK, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE By Miss Walairujee Wichienthawee A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Program in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism International Program Graduate School, Silpakorn University Academic Year 2016 Copyright of Graduate School, Silpakorn University The Graduate School, Silpakorn University has approved and accredited the Thesis title of “Interpreting Heritage Places to Young Children : An Examination of Methods and Opportunities at Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province” submitted by Miss Walairujee Wichienthawee as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism. ............................................................................ (Associate Professor Panjai Tantatsanawong, Ph.D.) Dean of Graduate School ........../..................../.......... The Thesis Advisor Dr. Donald ELLSMORE, DPhil FAPT The Thesis Examination Committee .................................................... Chairman (Assistant Professor Chotima Chaturawong, Ph.D.) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Professor Emeritus Ornsiri Panin) ............/......................../.............. .................................................... Member (Dr. Donald ELLSMORE, DPhil FAPT) ............/......................../.............. 55056956: MAJOR: ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEY WORD: OUT-OF-SCHOOL LEARNING / INFORMAL EDUCATION / FIELD TRIP WALAIRUJEE WICHIENTHAWEE: INTERPRETING HERITAGE PLACES TO YOUNG CHILDREN: AN EXAMINATION OF METHODS AND OPPORTUNITIES AT PHIMAI HISTORICAL PARK, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE. THESIS ADVISOR: DONALD ELLSMORE, DPhil FAPT. 203 pp. This study investigates outcomes of school children (G4–G6) studying in Nakhon Ratchasima Province who attended school field trip to the Phimai Historical Park (PHP), the biggest Khmer Sanctuary in Thailand, which is a popular tourist attraction and important learning resource for school children. It is focused on what and how young children learn from their informal education and field trip. Significant interpretation objectives and suitable knowledge themes for young learners are examined in order to establish heritage understanding and awareness, including lifelong learning as it is emphasized in the Reform of National Education system of the 15-year Free Education. The picture of how the school children were prepared for their historical site visit was established in order to understand the value, extent and effectiveness of the learning experience. School curricula and texts about Phimai and related topics were interrogated. The research method is based on empirical surveying, observation and in-depth interviewing to explore the learning outcomes during the visits by students to the PHP. Evaluations were obtained from responses to surveys. Students’ written responses and drawings revealed the important learning outcomes. The study uncovered large numbers of positive results, providing direction for how to arrange young learners for historic site visits. Both teachers and students mentioned that Social Studies, especially History, provided the main themes for the field trips. However, although the school field trips would benefit students learning in the classroom, the data showed that the teachers were limited in recognising their role in connecting the field trip with the school curriculum and the lessons provided. The structure of the field trips was guide-centered. A worksheet provided by the school was the only a task for students’ to submit in relation to the site visit. Overall results revealed positive response by young students constructing and developing their own understanding and experiences through concrete examples of storytelling rather than abstract notions. A demonstrable communication gap between teachers and guides about effective interpretation for children was observed. This gap, and the limited involvement by some teachers in interpretation, limits the effectiveness of the learning experience for some students. It is concluded that a bridging of formal and informal education would result in a better integrated learning outcome. Better collaboration among stakeholders could contribute to achieving a more effective interpretation of heritage sites as learning resources. The results of this study could inform the development of strategies and provide a realistic focus for improvements in interpretation and the quality of learning outcomes. Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism Graduate School, Silpakorn University Student's signature........................................ Academic Year 2016 Thesis Advisor's signature........................................ iii Acknowledgements “…antiques, arts and ancient remains are valuable and necessary for research in history. Arts and archaeology have demonstrated the national prosperity since the ancient times. …A single old brick is also meaningful and should be well preserved. …Because the remains are the national honor and spirit of the citizenships. These are inherited from the ancestors.…” H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej 26th Dec 1961 The dissertation would never have been finished without support and encouragement. I would like to express my appreciation and sincere thanks to my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Donald Ellsmore, PhD, for his motivation, encouragement and patience for me to conduct this dissertation. My sincere thanks also go to lecturers of Department of Architecture and Related Arts, Assoc. Prof. Saner Niladech; Assoc. Prof. Somkid Jiratatsanakul; Assoc. Prof. Somchart Chungsiriarak; Assist. Prof. Chotima Chaturawong, PhD; Assist. Prof. Nuanlak Watsantachad, PhD; Lecturer Kriengkrai Kerdsiri, PhD; Prof. Vira Inpuntung. PhD; Assoc. Chatri Phakitnonthakan; Lecturer Pratima Nimsamer; Lecturer Tawan Weerakoon and Lecturer Pongpon Yasri for giving me the opportunities to attend their classes and enhancing my knowledge. I also thank Assist. Prof. Sunon Palakavong Na Ayuddhaya for his contribution as the AHMT program director. Ms. Thienrat Sakasuparerk and her assistant have facilitated me throughout the program. I would like to show my appreciation and thanks to Lecturer Jitjayang Yamapai, PhD, Lecturer Patoo Kusripitak, PhD and Weeranan Dumrongkun, contributors of Museum Studies program, Research Institution for Languages and Cultures of Asia, Mahidol University. I also acknowledge the wonderful help of Rungsima Kullapat, PhD, Sitichai Siriratchamongkol, Saksan Promsuk, Wisanu Homnan, Pattama Chareonkornkij, Srisiwan Kumho, Panjawat Boonrod, Siridetch Wangkarn, Rasita Sinekiem, Angkana Yaiyong, Thitiporn Meesil, Sitta Kongsasana, Neungruthai Ngamchareon. I also thank the officers at PHP and Phimai National Museum, young guides at Phimai Wittaya School including students and teachers of eleven schools for their time during collecting data. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to my family for their support and for providing me throughout my entire life with love, motivation, patience and encouragement, in particular: Onsaloy, Chamrat, Athirat and Pakawadee Wichienthawee. I also wish to thank of my colleagues at Somboonwithayanukul School. iv Table of Contents Page Abstract iii Acknowledgments iv List of Tables vii List of Figures viii Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Statements and Significance of the problems 1 Goals and Objectives 5 Research question 5 Scope of the study 5 Research Methodology 6 Process of the study 6 Time Frame 6 Chapter Outline 7 2 Ancient community in upper Mun River basin 8 Introduction 8 Topography 8 Geology 9 Ancient prehistoric communities 12 Development of Ancient Mun River Community 13 Prehistoric communities in upper Mun River Valley 14 Dvaravati Period 27 Angkorian Period 29 After the Khmer Period 30 Salt Production in the Upper Mun River Valley 31 3 Khmer Empire and Phimai 34 Introduction 34 Background of the Khmer Civilization 34 Pre Angkorian Period 34 Angkorian Period 37 Religious 49 Hinduism 49 Mahayana Buddhism 56 Architectural terms 60 Phimai 64 Ancient Phimai City Plan 66 Phimai Historical Park 68 Restoration 85 Phimai Legend 93 4 Education and Interpretation 94 Introduction 94 Education in Thailand 94 Learning Theory 98 Constructivism 98 Constructivism Museum 103 Theories of knowledge and theories of learning 104 v Chapter Page Prior knowledge 107 Informal Learning 109 Role of the teacher in field trip 110 History in primary school 111 Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs) 114 5 Methodology 117 Introduction 117 Research question 117 Integration between education and field trip 117 Methodology and Instrument Development 118 6 Result and Discussion 121 Introduction 121 Pilot Survey 121 Observation at PHP 123 Results of the survey form 125 Number of survey form 125 Personal information of respondents 125 Curriculum and