AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN BENCHAMA MAHARAT SCHOOL UBON RATCHATHANI THAILAND

Abstract

The study assessed agricultural awareness among students (grades 7-9) and teachers at Benchama Maharat School, Thailand. The student respondents, with a balanced gender ratio, were predominantly under 15 years old. Their parents were employed in government or business sectors, with higher education levels and incomes averaging ฿32,598.54 to ฿33,164.01. Teachers, aged 21-59, often held master's degrees and earned about ฿36,815.30 monthly. The internet was the primary information source for both groups.

Students displayed moderate agricultural knowledge (WMs 3.09-3.29), while teachers scored higher (WM 3.60). Attitudes were slightly positive, with students at 3.54-3.82 and teachers at 4.21. Engagement varied, with grade 7 and 8 students moderately involved (WMs 3.25 and 3.24), and grade 9 students and teachers more active (WMs 3.44 and 3.83).

Chi-square tests showed age, gender, grade level, and information access significantly influenced students’ agricultural awareness, while teachers’ awareness was affected by socio-economic factors.

Teachers had higher awareness levels than students, with significant differences confirmed by Tukey HSD tests. Grade 9 students differed in attitude from grade 7 students.

The study highlights the role of socio-demographic factors in agricultural awareness and suggests curricular enhancements to include practical agricultural experiences. The goal is to prepare students as informed citizens aware of agriculture’s significance. Recommendations for Benchama Maharat School include curriculum enrichment, teacher development, experiential learning, and community partnerships to foster agricultural understanding and value within society.