Weerapa Pongpanich. The effects of using case studies to develop hotel management students critical thinking skill at a private university in Thailand. (). Rangsit University. Rangsit University Library. : , 2021.
The effects of using case studies to develop hotel management students critical thinking skill at a private university in Thailand
Abstract:
Thailand's hospitality industry plays a crucial role in its economy, emphasizing the significance of critical thinking for hotel staff who routinely encounter unexpected situations. However, the traditional Thai curriculum does not effectively incorporate critical thinking into English education, focusing primarily on language structures rather than independent analysis. To address this gap, the research investigates whether the use of case studies can develop students' critical thinking abilities and assesses their perceptions of this teaching approach. Therefore, this study explores the integration of case studies to enhance critical thinking skills within the context of English for hotel personnel in Thailand. The study employs a mixed methods approach, combining questionnaires and focus group interviews with 22 participants majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The findings reveal that participants show critical thinking skills, progressing from understanding and explaining situations to analyzing and applying solutions within case studies. Surprisingly, case studies not only enhance critical thinking but also elevate students' educational achievements to the highest level of Bloom's taxonomy, demonstrating their ability to create solutions. Recommendations include incorporating critical thinking into English education, providing teacher training, integrating case studies into the curriculum, encouraging independent thinking, and emphasizing real-world applications. These measures aim to enhance the Thai education system by nurturing critical thinking alongside language proficiency, better equipping students for success in the hospitality industry and beyond