DEVELOPMENT OF ANIMATION AS A SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIAL TO ENHANCE ENGLISH CONVERSATION SKILL FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING NEAR UDONTHANI PROVINCE’S HISTORICAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

This study investigated the impact of supplementary animation-based media on enhancing English conversation skills among the local community in historical tourist attractions in Udonthani Province, Thailand. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests, involving 100 participants who resides near historical tourist sites in Udonthani province across various education levels (Grade 4 to Bachelor's degree). The intervention utilized culturally relevant animation-based media featuring local folktales to teach English conversation skills. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in participants' English conversation abilities, with mean scores increasing from 5.46 to 11.33 out of 20 (p < 0.001, SD = 1.77). The intervention was effective across all education levels, with higher improvements observed in participants at Grade 9 and above. Qualitative data from surveys and interviews revealed highly positive attitudes towards the animation-based learning materials, with over 85% of respondents preferring this method to traditional classroom instruction. The study also found that the use of local folktales (Phadang Nang Ai, Usa-Baras, and Khamchanode) in the animation version enhanced engagement and motivation for learning. Participants reported increased willingness to continue English language learning, with more than 90% expressing interest in using similar materials in the future.