Abstract:
The general purpose of this research was to generate body of knowledge from childrens Chao Khun Tong television program. The Chao Khun Tong program with last long more than 20 years is produced by Phong Phon Company, Ltd. and broadcasted by BBTV channel 7. Specifically, this research was to study the overall development of Chao Khun Tong program and also to study the program profile, puppet design and forms of presentation using social learning theory, child development theory, desirable characteristics of Thai children, childrens television program and puppetry as a framework for this research. The research methods were: 1) The oral history method by interviewing the key informants: creative producers, program managers, and content specialists, 2) The content analysis of the program profile, puppet design and forms of presentation, and 3) The focus group discussion with receivers. Samples consisted of 92 tapes of childrens Chao Khun Tong television program during B.E. 2534 to 2557, and 18 primary school students in grade 5-6 of Chulalongkorn University Demonstation School. Data were collected by content analysis schedule and focus group guide with survey questionnaire. Research findings showed that the development of the childrens Chao Khun Tong television program could be classified into 3 eras as follows: The Beginnings of Chao Khun Tong Era (B.E. 2534-2539), The Expanding towards Sustainability Era (B.E. 2540-2551) and The Maintaining and Continuity Era (B.E. 2552-2557. The important features of each era are as the followings: (1) Having different strengths in each era i.e. using puppet character as a foundation for teaching in the first era; diversity of types of program in the second era and presentation techniques in the third era. (2) Chao Khun Tong television program, an edutainment, was designed to teach Thai, culture and morality & ethics to 3-12 years old children by means of hand puppets. (3) Producer of Chao Khun Tong puppets created and designed Thai hand puppets in the context of Thai way of living and culture i.e. Chao Khun Tong (bird), Uncle Matoom (turtle) Changon (buffalo) Khon Loy (crocodile). (4) Each hand puppet keeps its unique character overtime i.e. welcoming and opening session by Chao Khun Tong, Uncle Matoom teaches Thai, Changon asks questions and helps to explain the word meaning, and Khon Loy makes a joke and spectacular program. (5) Presentation techniques in Chao Khun Tong depended on the advancement of technology in each era i.e. using the chrome key technique in the third era instead of using the real stage production of BBTV channel 7 in the first and second era. (6) Based on the analysis of program profile, content and presentation technique, Chao Khun Tong is a quality television program for children. According to the receivers, Chao Khun Tong is an effective television program in enhancing childrens learning.