Abstract

This research aimed to develop a Thai string instrument skill assessment program by using a computer-based adaptive testing method (TSCAT) using a 4-step research and development process, consisting of 1) studying the current status, problems, and approaches to assessing Thai string instrument skills by computer through interviewing experts and finding consensus based on experts; 2) developing the program by designing and developing the program in JavaScript language, storing data in the MySQL database system, creating a user manual, and evaluating the appropriateness and correctness of the use and manual by experts; 3) testing the computer program with a sample group consisting of teachers and testers, setting a passing criterion of 60 percent; and 4) evaluating the quality of the program in terms of usefulness, feasibility, correctness according to criteria, and accuracy.

The research results found that studying the current status by interviewing Thai music experts found that teaching and learning according to the curriculum of the educational institution that transferring knowledge from teachers to students in individual and group formats. The assessment of learners’ skills mainly depends on the judgment of the teachers. There are various assessment tools, leading to inaccuracies in measuring academic achievement and not being able to reflect the true ability of the learners. The approach to assessing Thai string instruments’ skills by computer can measure the correctness of playing skills at a basic level. The results of the consensus based on experts in considering the components, including the accuracy of playing according to the melody, the accuracy of playing, and the accuracy according to the rhythm of the cymbals, that are set to pass the criteria of 60 percent. The level and ability are divided into 6 levels, and the musical notes in the test are 25 songs in total according to the basic Thai music criteria. The development of the student’s skill assessment program uses the concept of Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT), which helps to reflect learning results in a tangible way and promotes the teaching of Thai music to be more modern and effective. The results of the assessment of the accuracy and appropriateness from 9 experts using the assessment form show that the overall appropriateness of the program is at the highest level, with an average of 4.81 and a standard deviation of 0.33, and the user manual is at the highest level, with an average of 4.83 and a standard deviation of 0.39. The evaluation results of the program in collecting data from testers found that the program can be measured according to the ability of the performers. It can check the students’ information to plan and develop them according to their abilities. The program is a new technology that makes learning music fun and not boring for students. They can research by themselves. The results of the evaluation of teachers’/instructors’ opinions on its usefulness, feasibility, correctness according to the criteria, and accuracy found that there were opinions at the highest level. The mean score was 4.87, and the standard deviation was 0.27. The testers had the highest level of opinion, with a mean score of 4.92 and a standard deviation of 0.21. This shows the quality of the program that can be applied in teaching and learning, and is an effective aid in evaluating Thai stringed instrument skills.

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