Moral development for the youths : a case study of the youths in the moral practice program for good quality of life at the Youths Center Nakhonratchasima province, Nakhonratchasima
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was 1. To study the opinion of the youth undergoing this
training about how the experts and media on their moral precepts. 2. To compare students
present moral behavior with their previous behavior after attending the training. 3.To obtain
the teachers’ opinions of the moral development of the youth and how this had developed
following completion of the training 4. To investigate the parent’s opinions of the mental
development of their children following training.
The results of the document research stated that the Three commandments, insight
meditation and use of the intellect are useful to develop the mind to improve the quality of life,
especially adolescent behavior. The Three commandments can be adjusted to suit each age.
The result of the field research were very good.75.22 % of the students felt the
lecturers and priest instructors were very good. 84.07% felt that the equipment were very good
92.92% felt the quiz activities were very good. 84.07% thought that the religious activities were
very good. 88.49 % thought that the Buddhist cultural activities were very good (standing,
sitting, praying, sweeping, rubbing, etc.) 92.47% felt the classes on sin and merit were very
good. 97.79 % of the students liked the Jataka role plays. 96.01% liked the charity activities,
and 96.01% liked the Power of Unity activity.
The studied group can apply knowledge on self development both physical and mental.
For example, by doing beneficial acts for themselves and someone else. They have discipline
and more of a sense of responsibility. They can advise others regarding wrong behavior.
In the teachers’ group 77.14 % gave the opinion that the youths’ behavior changed after
attending the training and felt the children used respectful and polite words. The teachers
suggested that the youth needed to continue their moral training for a longer period and
that they should teach rectitude during class.
Those of 31.00 % of the parents’ group that was studied felt that their children’s
behavior had and language had improved. The meaning of sin, merit, virtue and demerit had
been successfully learnt by their children.