Abstract:
This research is a descriptive study, using a historical approach. Its aim is to study and analyse a model of an exemplary teacher, illustrated by Master Montri Tramod's life and his knowledge-transmitting processes with different groups of succeeding generations; based on research data about his life, role, and work as well as the opinions of his followers. An analysis of a model illustrated by Master Montri Tramod's life as a teacher reveals that he lived through five reigns. A teacher of Thai classical music, he left a rich cultural legacy behind him to this kingdom. Endowed with the unrivalled integrity of a born teacher, Master Montri Tramod was also a good friend in accordance with the Buddhist concept while being a modern teacher with profound knowledge and teaching skills in his field of specialisation. His unique qualities deserve a place in the history of Thai music. A creative musician, he preserved the characteristics of Thai culture in his outstanding works while showing ingenuity in his teaching, using a time-honoured process called self-inspired methodology. The findings of this study, resulting from an analysis of his knowledge-transmitting processes to five groups of succeeding generations show that he used three teaching methods, namely, a self-inspired method, a descriptive method and a media-based method. A self-inspired method was used with various groups of followers, with members of the Tramod family to whom he taught radio drama, music and singing, with the staff of the Department of Fine Arts to whom he taught script writing, preparation of appropriate background music, and whom he trained individually to perform Thai classical songs and accompanying music, and with people who performed a ceremony to pay homage to teachers of performing arts. He used a descriptive method to teach a group of school teachers theories of Thai music and drama. In addition, a media-based method covering musical notes, records, radio and printing materials was used to teach Thai music and drama, moral lessons, morality and ethics to the general public.