Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the Thai literature textbook, Book III, of the Ministry of Education used in Matayom Suksa 3 in Bangkok. The method of study was as follows: (a) Studying Thai literature textbook, Book III, the roughly, finding necessary data from reference books and reparting the results in a descriptive form. (b) Analyzing the questionnaires completed by a number of teachers and students in Matayom Suksa 3 in order to find out what they think about the quality of the used text in relation to the methods of teaching and the psychology of learning.The questionnaires were returned by thirty teachers and 300 students in both government and private schools selected by random sampling. The collected data were thereafter analyzed on an percentage basis. In analyzing this textbook the investigator used the criteria in textbook selection, the method of teaching and the psychology of learning. The results of the study: Although the Thai literature textbook of the Ministry of Education was regarded of very good quality, it still needs improvement, such as the quality in writing and printing the texts, the size of the book, the use of pictures, and the fulfillment of content matter. The old stories should be replaced by better stories that meet the ago level, interests and needs of the students. The text should explain the difficult vocabulary and structures. The exercises should be increased so-that the students have the necessary skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The suggestions from the study: The textbook should be improved in relation to the social and economic development of the country, as well as the needs of the students in social studies, psychology and philosophy. The stories in the textbook should have literary value, be up to date and relevant to the daily life of the students. The textbook should help improving the students imagination growth, critical thinking and aesthetic appreciation of Thai literature.