Browsing by Author "Brahmakasikara, Laura"
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    Adopting a blended learning approach for teaching Chinese classical dance
    (Bangkok : Assumption University Press, 2021) Lina, Zhao ; Brahmakasikara, Laura
    The main purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the blended Chinese classical dance course in improving the dance performance of dance students at the College of Art and Design at Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, China. Opinions of students regarding their learning experiences in the blended learning environment were also obtained through a face-to-face interview. This research utilized a mixed methodology design. The quantitative part was the quasi-experiment to determine if the Chinese classical dance performance of students would improve after using the China Dance Network Application in a blended learning environment. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. The participants selected had not used China Dance Network Application before. There were four freshmen, two sophomores and five juniors who participated in the quasi-experiment. It was conducted for eight weeks to determine the effectiveness of the blended dance course. Before the quasi-experiment, participants took the pre-test and after eight weeks were completed, the participants took the post-test. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared and analyzed using the paired t-test. The qualitative part involved a face-to-face interview with all 11 participants. Results of the paired t-test showed that there were significant differences in the pre-test and post-test scores of the participants in terms of body rhyme, soft opening, dancing posture, rhythm style, and expressive force. Based on the interviews with 11 participants, they admitted that their dance performance had improved, the use of China Dance Network helped them in learning more about Chinese classical dance and they were more motivated in learning dance online and offline anytime. They used the Chinese Dance Network to learn dancing online, broadening their horizons, watching many dance videos, and learning more contents. The interviewees also added that compared with a single traditional classroom teaching, their interest in learning was stimulated.
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    A blended learning design to improve non-music students' knowledge of Chinese Traditional Music in Hunan Agriculture University
    (Bangkok : Assumption University Press, 2021) Tan, Hui ; Brahmakasikara, Laura
    This study is a quasi-experiment research. The aims of the study are to determine if the blended Chinese Traditional Music Appreciation Course using Superstar Learning Application improves the Chinese traditional music knowledge of non-music majors and to explore the students’ opinions towards the use of Superstar Learning Application as a teaching and learning tool in a blended Chinese Traditional Music Appreciation Course. The research site is at Hunan Agriculture University, China, involving freshmen students taking the Chinese Traditional Music Appreciation Course. The study used a mixed methodology design. The Pre-test and post-test were administered to determine the effectiveness of the blended learning course. An in-depth interview was also conducted to explore the opinions of volunteer participants about the blended Chinese Traditional Music Appreciation Course and the application used. Comparison of the pre-test and post-test scores showed that the Chinese traditional music knowledge of non-music major students improved after learning in the blended Chinese Traditional Music Course. Students who volunteered to be interviewed showed positive opinions towards the blended learning course and the Superstar Learning Application as a teaching and learning tool.
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    Determinants of quality in higher education: faculty perspective
    (Digital Production Press, Assumption University, 2017) Brahmakasikara, Laura ; Naree Achwarin ; Satha Phongsatha
    There has been a debate amongst academicians as to what quality means in higher education. Quality means differently in each country depending on the context, political context, rules and regulations as what constitute quality since quality assurance practices vary from country to country as well as quality assurance requirements. Due to these discrepancies, this paper mainly focuses on key players the authors perceive as determinants of quality in higher education and their roles in pursuing continuous quality in the provision of education. They are the institution leaders which include the deans of each school, program directors and team leaders; faculty members, who are active players in the delivery of quality education, have the necessary academic qualifications and commitment and are constantly developing themselves through professional development initiatives; support staff, who provide the technical assistance and support to students and faculty members and the quality of students undertaking programs of study in an educational institution. These people are pivotal in ensuring that each member of the institution takes part in the provision of quality education. The authors believe that quality in education does not exist in paper only but quality means an interplay between the key players mentioned in this paper. This paper also discusses the roles and responsibilities of these important players to ensure quality in higher education.
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