Abstract:
This research aimed to analyze learning process and develop educational guidelines in multicultural societies. Three communities, in which most of the population were Muslims, were selected as case studies; namely Ban Klongkujam, Ayutthaya Province, Ban Naitung, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and Ban Pingluang, Chiang Mai Province. The researcher collected data by observation, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion. Findings were as follows: 1. Ban Klongkujam had the longest history of being a peaceful Buddhist and Muslim community. Most of the students were Muslim while school administrator and teachers were Buddhist. The school provided Muslim prayer room and extracurricular activities that would encourage students of both religions to learn together. Buddhist monks and Islamic leaders were invited to teach religion at the same time. Students participated in activities of temples and mosques. The school hired an expert to teach Islamic religion for students starting from grade 4. Also, moral and ethical camp was held for both Buddhist and Muslim students. 2. School administrator and teachers in Ban Naitung were Buddhist while almost all students were Muslim. After consulting with Islamic and community leaders, the school administrator decided to provide Muslim prayer room and hire local people to teach Islam for students since grade 1. Arabic and Malay language classes were also taught for Muslim students. Students of both religions were asked to participate in moral and ethical camp. Buddhist students were invited to observe religious activities at the mosque. 3. Most of the students in Ban Pingluang were Buddhist while all teachers and school administrator were Buddhist. The school had to accept Muslim students in B.E. 2547 after their former schools were closed. Since, Muslim prayer room was provided but there was no religious class for Muslim. School teachers were leaders in building understanding among students. 4. Multicultural education approach, which aims to enhance acceptance among different cultures, and human relations approach, which promotes understanding and positive relationships among different cultures, should be promoted in these societies.