THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CURRICULUM AND CARTOON-BASED LEARNING MODULES FOR AN ADDITIONAL COURSE: MUEANG FA DAET SONG YANG AND PHRA THAT YAKHU TO PROMOTE 21ST-CENTURY CAREER SKILLS FOR GRADE 7 STUDENTS

Abstract

This research aimed to develop and implement a curriculum and a set of cartoon-based learning modules for the supplementary course “Mueang Fa Daet Song Yang and Phra That Yakhu” to promote 21st-century career skills among Grade 7 students at Kamalasai School, Kalasin Province. The study employed a research and development (R&D) methodology comprising four stages: basic information analysis, curriculum and learning material development, field implementation, and evaluation. The research instruments included the developed curriculum, nine cartoon-based learning booklets, lesson plans, assessment forms, and a student satisfaction questionnaire. Content validity was examined by five experts using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC). The instructional materials achieved efficiency values exceeding the established criterion of 80/80 (E₁/E₂ = 83.54/81.43). The results indicated that students’ post-test achievement scores were significantly higher than their pre-test scores, with 100% of the students meeting the learning criteria. In addition, students demonstrated marked improvement in analytical thinking, collaboration, and technology use, reflecting the development of key 21st-century career skills. Students’ overall satisfaction with the learning modules was rated at the highest level across all aspects, particularly content, learning activities, and media design. These findings suggest that cartoon-based learning effectively enhances active learning, engagement, and skill development while integrating local wisdom and community identity. The developed curriculum and learning modules therefore have strong potential as a model for promoting 21st-century career skills through innovative and contextually relevant educational practices.