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RESEARCH REPORTMasters of Arts in Art and Design Education
Limerick School of Art & Design
‘Education & Creativity in Thailand’
by
Neil Joseph Delaney
2014
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION p3
2. RATIONALE p4-9
2.0 Research Question
2.1 Context
2.2 Qualitative Research & Methodology
2.3 Quantitative Research & Methodology
2.4 Ethics
2.5 Literature
3. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DATA p9-12
4. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DATA p13-25
4.0 Workshop Projects in Brief
4.1 Thematic Analysis – Emergent data and investigation
4.2 Evidence of Instrinsic Motivation
4.2.1 Self-Determination
4.2.2 Perceived Salience
4.3 Induced Extrinsic Motivation
4.4 Tolerance for ambiguity.
5. CONCLUSION p26,27
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY p28-32
7. REFERENCE LIST p33-36
8. APPENDICES p37-44
8.0 Artwork Samples
8.1 Questionnaire (English)
8.2 Questionnaire (Thai)
8.3 Permission Form (English)
8.4 Permission Form (Thai)
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INTRODUCTION
This Research Report was conducted over a period of eight months, from February to
September 2014, and took place in the Kingdom of Thailand, more specifically in the
town of Chiang Khan which sits by the Mekong River on the border to Laos.
In engaging in research into the field of creativity, it is necessary that I state from the
beginning what my perception of creativity is, particular to the context within which
the word is used here. I am interested in creativity as an act of ‘doing’ as opposed to
a state of ‘being’ and agree with Amabile (1989) when she dismisses the notion that
one ‘is’ or ‘is not’ creative. Instead she states that creativity is anything that a person
“does” as long as it is “substantially different” from what they have “done before”, and
that it works to achieve something meaningful to the person doing it (1989, p.21-
25). Vygotsky asks that one “consider creativity as the rule rather than the exception”
(2004, p5) and states that “the creative processes are already fully manifest in ear-
liest childhood” (2004, p.11). The issue would appear to be that education (Lubart
& Georgsdottir, 2010, p.42) and culture (Runco, 2004, p.15) play a significant role in
whether or not those creative processes survive into adulthood.
The research sought to investigate the effect of culture and education on creativity
in Thailand, while an out-of-school creative arts program recorded emergent student
behavior relative to creative engagement.
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RATIONALE
2.0 Research Question.
The general research question guiding this report is “To what extent can an out-of-
school contemporary arts program foster creativity in young children in Thailand?”
By introducing a contemporary arts program for young children in the North Eastern
town of Chiang Khan, I sought to achieve two things. Firstly, it was my intention to
observe and record emerging data relating to student creative behavior; activated
through their engagement in art based projects. Secondly, I sought to contextualize
this data through an investigation of the art education currently being delivered to
these children through the Thai public education system.
2.1 Context.
I am a Fine Arts graduate who has worked for several years in the field of Graph-
ic and Editorial Design before working as a Multimedia and Art Teacher. I am also
a songwriter, musician, video producer and exhibiting digital artist. In early 2010
I decided to move from my home country of Ireland to live and work in Thailand,
where I have been based now for almost five years. During that time I have worked
as a Teacher in both public government schools and private international programs.
What I had come to notice during that time is not just a lack of support for student
creativity but what I perceived to be an active suppression of it. It seemed to me
that this suppression was systematic and widespread among schools in Thailand. I
became interested to know why this was happening and what could be achieved
among students if instead their creativity was encouraged.
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To that end, I set up “Sang San (Creative) Chiang Khan”, a free out-of-school arts pro-
gram in the town of Chiang Khan. The aim of the arts program was to deliver con-
temporary art workshops that could foster creativity and support creative engage-
ment. The focus of the program centred on local children attending public schools
delivering the national curriculum. In considering the limited time-frame, it was
desirable to work with a group of students already known to each-other and with an
interest in creative practices. To this end, the music teacher of a local street music
performance group was approached to see if there would be an interest among his
students in participating. Subsequently there was, and six workshops were held on
Saturdays and Sundays during the month of March 2014.
2.2 Qualitative Research and Methodology.
The program would also act as an opportunity for research. I was interested to see
how art workshops with a focus on student-centred creativity would effect the
students engaged in them. Bogdan & Bilken (2003, p.4) state that “action can be
understood when it is observed in the setting in which it occurs”. Observational data
was collected through field notes, a research diary, photography, video, and audio
recordings. Taking example from Candy &Bilda’s “Understanding and Evaluating
Creativity”, (2009, p.10) I too sought to derive information by:
“Collecting observable data about human behaviour where cre-ative products are involved or the process itself is identified as creative… The data collection methods include first hand, direct observation of events, generating reports of behaviour, making informed judgments, referring to histories of events and par-ticipants, comparing the current situations and outcomes with historical records as well as the current trends, movements. The aim is to arrive at a rich set of ‘observable’ data”.
Using Bryman’s (2008) ‘Social Research Methods’ definition of a social researcher
diary, activities undertaken and my general observations were recorded at the end of
each class/session. It was my intention to observe and record data for later analysis
with a particular emphasis on emergent phenomena relative to creativity in a learn-
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ing environment. In pooling together data from student observation and researcher
reflection, it was envisaged that themes would emerge which could be further inves-
tigated. A thematic analysis was undertaken on completion of the arts program, the
results of which are presented within this report.
In terms of the workshops provided, some art projects were chosen following re-
search into creativity centred art lesson plans or activites. Others were devised, with
a focus on engaging students to be expressive thinkers in an immersive activity.
Workshops were delivered by me with assistance from Thai national, Trairat Pakkete,
a Bachelors Degree Graduate of the Applied Fine Arts Print program at Chulalong-
korn University, Bangkok, and a practicing freelance Graphic Designer. One workshop
was designed and delivered by Boonlert Pumma, a contemporary resident artist liv-
ing in Chiang Khan. Workshop projects required little to no artistic skill to begin with,
and instead focused on fostering creative engagement through process over product.
2.3 Quantitative Research and Methodology.
Living in the small town of Chiang Khan, where there are just three primary schools
and one secondary school offered the possibility, through research, to gain an in-
formed understanding of where creativity was situated within the delivery of the
national curriculum there. The rationale behind this was to investigate whether
there was validity in my perception that creativity was actively suppressed in Thai
public schools. To that end, and in line with Babbie’s (2010) definition of quantitative
methods of data collection, questionnaires were given to art teachers in each of the
four schools in Chiang Khan Town. Data relating to the significance of art and cre-
ativity within these schools was collected. I was also interested in the environmen-
tal factors in which their learning was taking place. I wanted to know what facilities
were available to teachers and students of art, how many students were given the
opportunity to study art, how many art students there were per class, and whether
or not their art teacher was primarily qualified to teach art. Literature engaged in at
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this time was suggesting the possibility that these factors could be related to wheth-
er creativity is fostered or inhibited in schools.
2.4 Ethics.
Thomas (2013, p.43) asserts that within a research project “a reflection on ethics
should be integral”. Working with children outside of a school environment, inter-
viewing art teachers across a linguistic barrier, and cultural considerations are signif-
icant areas for ethics consideration. Efforts were made to ensure effective translation
of documents for parents and questionnaires for interviewees were achieved at all
times. Written parental consent for the involvement of children, both as participants
within the creative arts program, and as participants in observational research, was
a requirement for student involvement. All parental consent forms were signed and
returned prior to student participation. A qualified Thai assistant was present at
all workshops and also acted as translator when required. Informed socio-cultural
norms, such as hierarchical reverence when conducting interviews with seniors, were
adhered to at all times. Thai and English language versions of consent forms and
questionnaires used can be found in the appendices section of this research report.
Also, pseudonyms are used throughout the report to protect student anonymity.
2.5 Literature.
An ongoing literature review into aspects of creativity, education, and culture was
conducted and expanded upon throughout all stages of the research. I wanted to
know more about how creativity was being defined and the different theories into
what supported it, especially within eduction. I also wanted to know what kind of
role culture played in the development of creative capacities, especially within Thai-
land. This would further the personal goal of understanding why creativity seemed
to be suppressed in public schools. It would also help inform me in how best to
structure the arts program so that it was as conducive to creativity as possible. Key
findings within the literature, relevant to the creative capacities of the students I
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would be working with, could be broken down as follows:
• How one comes to know creativity relates to how it is defined by those around
him/her, particularly relevant in a child’s upbringing (Lubart,Georgsdottir,2010).
How creativity is framed also acts to inform when and how it is appropriate to
express it (Runco, 2004). As such, culture and education and so parents and teach-
ers, play a large role in framing how creativity is understood by their children and
students (Lubart &Georgsdottir, 2010).
• “Enculturalization” (Runco, 2004, p.15), among other things, teaches a common
value system that aims to promote and dissuade particular behaviors, for the bet-
terment of social harmony. Culturally significant behaviors promoted across Thai
society include ‘bun khun’, ‘kreang chai’ and ‘cool heart’.
1. ‘Bhun Kun’:
Hallinger & Kantamara (2001, p.408) describe this as “indebted goodness”.
Within education, ‘bhun kun’ presents itself through a sense of obligation
and gratitude on the part of the student who is the beneficiary of the exper-
tise of the teacher. Also, in terms of morality, Ng & Hor refer to the teacher
as “a moral exemplar to students. In return, students show reverence for their
teacher by behaving with meekness and obedience” (2005, p.209) .
2. ‘Kreang Chai’:
Tiranasar refers to this as ‘an extreme reluctance to impose on anyone or
disturb his personal equilibrium by direct criticism, challenge or confronta-
tion’ (2004, p.9). As Rojanapanich & Pimpa (2011) highlight, a consequence
of this is deference to those in authority and a perception that authority
figures are expert, and as such they are followed without question.
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3. ‘Cool Heart’:
Having a ‘cool heart’ Tiranasar reports, involves approaching and dealing
with problems in a calm and emotionally moderate manner. Suppressing
any obvious signs of strong emotion such as anger, dismay, or even enthu-
siasm is seen as an “intelligent social response” and a sign to others of a
“stable personality” (2004, p.9) .
The significance to creativity in these promoted behaviours is that they all lead to
conformity, which Runco believes “precludes the originality that is necessary for
creativity” (2004, p.15). Instead, he states, that creative individuals “are more typi-
cally contrarians than conformists” (2004, p.17). Ng & Smith highlight how creativ-
ity effects conformity when they assert that within Asia, “the more creative a class
of students becomes, the more undesirable their behavior appears to the teacher”
(2010, p.101). Thus, my perception of a suppression of creativity in public schools
could be a consequence of the dissuasion of behaviours related to it. This could
offer hope in that creativity itself may not necessarily be the intended target.
• Even within Art, opportunities for creative engagement within public schools
in Thailand appear limited. UNESCO have referred to the Education system
in Thailand as a “teacher-centered rote learning model” and note that “under
highly centralized systems of educational administration, there are few incen-
tives to innovate and to be creative” (1999, p.134). Further to this Art is placed
within the Primary School Curriculum under the limited scope of ‘Character De-
velopment’ which aims to “enable learners to develop value, attitude, behaviour
and personality” (2003, p.19). Within the Secondary School Curriculum, students
are exposed to just one hour a week of Art, while the aims here include the
conservation of Thai cultural heritage, and the ability to “apply art in develop-
ment of mentality, personality and good taste” (UNESCO, 2003, p.20)
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QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DATA
In seeking to gain a greater understanding of the presence of creativity in the Thai
public school system, an investigation of the schools in the immediate locality to
which the program would operate in was desirable. This would seek to focus such
conversation on the subject in a way that was applicable to the very students I was
working with, rather than solely examining Thai public schools in a broad and gen-
eralized way, which may or may not apply to my students. It also contextualized
their exposure to art in group environments to date, and to what defined art and
art practice for them thus far. Lubart and Georgsdottir assert, “children learn about
creativity through examples provided by their social environment” and state that as
such teachers as well as parents will define these differently from culture to culture
(2010, p.41) It was important for me to gain an understanding of that definition of
creativity as perceived by the students as social members of Chiang Khan.
There are three primary schools and one secondary school in town of Chiang Khan,
Figure 1. Student Population in Chiang Khan Schools and number of art classes taught per week in Teacher hours.
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herein referred to as P1, P2, P3, and S1. All of these are public government schools
and as such follow the national curriculum. The total student population from these
schools is 3,246 and is divided as follows: P1 =331, P2=251, P3=964, and S1=1,700.
Of these students the average amount currently studying art is approximately 1,508
with a total of 7 Art Educators. From these 4 are employed as full-time art Educators,
the remaining 3 hold primary responsibility for the teaching of another subject.
Visits to each school occurred and questionnaires were provided to each art teach-
er. All but one art teacher from S1 participated. Only one designated art-room was
visited, also at S1, and student work was observed with permission. A significantly
large amount of work here related to theory and culturally specific imagery with lit-
tle evidence of works related to personal expression. Tiranasar notes this “emphasis
upon cultural heritage” within art education delivered through the Basic Education
Curriculum to public schools across Thailand (2010, p.12). She also observes that
primary and secondary art activities “are mostly close-ended... how to do activities”
and have little in the way of linkage to the “student’s real life”. In terms of creativ-
ity, a focus on representing culture presents what Tiranasar refers to as a “habit of
Figure 2. Student artworks with a traditional and cultural focus from a Chiang Khan School.
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imitation”, in that this imagery is already defined and so all such engagements with
art in this context will follow “severe observance of technique and ideas” (2010, p.11).
Under such an assumption, this work would be at odds with Elton’s observation that
creative work “cannot be produced under controlled conditions” and that it “must
show originality and it must in some way be significant but – in the case of student
work – only at the student’s level” (2007, p.3-4).
In terms of the three educators given the task of teaching art, while holding primary
responsibility for the teaching of another subject, it is worth noting the effect this
may have on their students’ concept of creativity. In citing research by Angeloska-Ga-
levska (1996) and Sternberg &Lubart (1991) Craft (2001) observes how the teacher
perceives creativity in their professional practice, along with the nature of their own
development academically will have a resulting impact on whether or not student
creativity is fostered. This has a particular relevance for the group of children who
attended the Sang San Art program, for of the four Art Educators teaching at primary
level only one was a full-time designated Art Educator.
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QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DATA
Figure 3: Sang San Creative Arts Program – Breakdown of Student Participation)
Figure 4: Sang San Creative Arts Program – Breakdown of Student Participation)
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Seventeen students in total attended the Sang San Creative Arts Program. Six work-
shops were held on Saturdays and Sundays for the month of March 2014. The initial
plan was to host 8 workshops but two had to be cancelled, one because of a student
birthday party and another because of the opening ceremony of new home close by.
Students ranged in age from six year old Noei, to 13 years old Aom, who was the only
student attending secondary school in the program. Jai and Kit were the only boys in
a predominantly female group.
4.0 Workshop Projects in Brief.
Workshop 1 - “Ink Blowing Impulse Project”: Combining free form abstract process-
es with interpretation and re-engagement to produce meaning. Black ink is blown
across an A2 sheet with a straw without engaging in representation. Later, coloured
paper is cut into shapes and placed on the ink work to develop the artist’s interpreta-
tion.
Workshop 2 – “Stone faces/Crazy monsters”: A workshop which combines prepara-
tory work, production of a finished work, and public exhibition in one project. Stu-
dents conceptualize character faces in preparatory sketches and transfer a chosen
approach to a large smooth round stone. Following this, finished works are publicly
exhibited in the Town’s walking street.
Workshop 3 – “Acrylic Print Project”: A process using watercolour blending techniques
to create colourful abstract prints. A small amount of water is dropped onto a piece
of glass. Different colour paints are chosen and dipped into the pool of water where
they mix and blend. A5 watercolour paper sheets are then placed on top of the mix
and the print is created.
Workshop 4 – “Visiting Artist Project – Natural Mark Making”: Students work with
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resident contemporary artist Pumma Boonlert on a one-off project of his design.
Natural tools such as banana leaves, cut stems, moss and twigs are used to create a
mixed media print.
Workshop 5– “Abstract Identity Print Project”: Building on the process using acrylic
paint blending techniques to create colourful abstract prints, card silhouettes of the
students in profile frame these prints to encapsulate a theme of identity.
Workshop 6– “Street Art Project”: Redefining street furniture as objects of art. Stu-
dents design characters for street pavement chalk drawings and convert an aban-
doned bicycle into a vibrant public art piece.
4.1 Thematic Analysis – Emergent data and investigation.
In analyzing program data collected through observation, workshop photographs
and video, audio recordings, workshop notes, and program research diary, emerging
themes were found and investigated. The main overarching themes discovered and
expanded upon are as follows:
• Intrinsic Motivation as evident in Self Determination.
• Induced Extrinsic Motivation.
• Tolerance for Ambiguity.
4.2 Evidence of Instrinsic Motivation.
Amabile (1989, p50) defines intrinsic motivation as “the desire to do something for
its own sake, because it is interesting, satisfying, or personally challenging”. Watts ,
R. H.,et al. (2004) categorizes intrinsic motivation into four observable psychological
constructs, they are:
1. Self-determination – engaging through choice as opposed to obligation/coercion.
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2. Self-perceived competence – a feeling that their effort or participation is effec-
tive.
3. Relatedness – positive relating and involvement with others.
4. Perceived salience – is the activity important to do? / A sense of importance in
the activity.
4.2.1 Self-determination:
Efforts were made from the outset to ensure that no obligation was placed on stu-
dent participation in the program. Students were informed from the outset that they
could attend on a workshop to workshop basis as and when suited, or not at all if so
desired. Participation at all times was free of charge and all materials required were
made available without any cost to the student’s parents. The most frequently pres-
ent students were also those who showed the highest intrinsic motivation through-
out, which would suggest a lack of parental coercion to attend.
Researchers find that choice appears to rank highly in supporting self-determination
in a learning environment (Watts , R. H.,et al. 2004) while Craft & Jeffrey (2004, p.8)
state that for students, “having control is an opportunity to be innovative and expres-
sive”. In each of the workshops the students are given projects that are defined and
so in a sense framed in a context. However within that there is a significant degree
of choice within each workshop that allows for and promotes student-centred in-
vention and delivery. The “what we will be doing?” of each workshop’s activity and
the “with what shall we do it?” of the materials at hand were the externally defined
structures of the program, but the emerging and unpredictable nature of “how will
you do it?” was specific to student choice.
In workshop one, Ladda, Moo, and Jai all chose to incorporate an accidental ink spill-
age into their work rather than begin again with the new sheets of paper that were
offered. This could of course be interpreted as a desire to not fall behind the others
in terms of pace of work, or a laziness to go back to the start when they had already
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moved beyond that point. Significantly though, this occurred very early on as op-
posed to at a stage when commitment to a particular approach was high and immer-
sion deep. In this sense it could also be argued that the emphasis in the workshop
demonstration on free-form and giving over control to the medium was being acted
upon in a spontaneous way.
In the same workshop, Ben, Fern, and Moo were observed in choosing to use the
straw as a drawing tool as well as for blowing ink across the page. While this was
outside the spirit of free-form and where instead control was being exerted on the
activity, it also showed collective group deviation from the “rules” as occurring by
choice, and a new approach being investigated. Also, the project’s later stage of in-
terpreting the ink blots gave opportunities to the students to conceive a new way for
the abstract element to become something more identifiable though their manipula-
tion of it. Jai’s translation and subsequent representation and delivery of his ink blot
as a barking dog, for example, was self-directed at all stages and showed his unique
Figure 5: Jai’s Barking Dog – Workshop 1
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vision being realized without any external influence beyond the materials he had to
use at his discretion to achieve that.
Workshop three (like workshop one) allowed for an element of chance in what re-
sulted product wise from the students acrylic prints. The demonstration at the be-
ginning of the session would have given a blueprint of sorts on how the effect could
be created, and so mimicry of this could be expected. While similar approaches were
attempted by students to begin with, deviation from this showed an ownership of the
process being realised and a self-initiated desire to experiment. Jai and Aom’s paint
dot approach as well as their autonomous decision to collaborate are good examples
of this. Noei’s decision to move away from the abstract altogether and create a bear
with this largely free-from technique was another unique approach independently
conceived and arrived at.
4.2.2 Perceived Salience.
Perceived salience, as mentioned by Watts , R. H.,et al. (2004), presented itself in
workshop six and the public exhibition which followed it. While producing the street
art chalk drawings outside a local cafe (where the program exhibition would later
be hosted), a member of the public initially perceived the students to be acting in a
manner negative to the cafe owner’s property. The students politely defended them-
selves without any need for my intervention and upon entering the cafe to speak to
the owner, this same person came out to view the children’s work before leaving. At
no point did the students hesitate or doubt the validity of their actions in producing
sanctioned street art.
In the exhibition that followed too, students presented themselves to visiting mem-
bers of the public to explain their work and the processes behind it, again without
any intervention or instruction required on my part.
4.3 Induced Extrinsic Motivation.
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Extrinsic motivation, says Amabile (1998, p.79) “comes from outside a person- wheth-
er the motivation is a carrot or a stick.” In subsequent post-program engagement
with literature, it has become clear that my perception of extrinsic motivation was
somewhat prejudiced by my observations on what was negatively affecting creativ-
ity in Thai schools. In terms of the educator wishing to foster creativity the stick
approach as a negative to creativity is perhaps clearer than the effect of the carrot
approach. For in wanting to advance a student’s creative autonomy, rewarding evi-
dence of this occurring, even in terms of praise or support, may in fact lead or direct
students to follow a particular course – one envisaged by the teacher who is himself
or herself striving towards an objective.
On analyzing themes which emerged from the program, personal interventions on
my part were observed, which may have in fact promoted extrinsic motivation, and
as such inhibited student creativity. One such example presented itself while vid-
eo recording students at work in workshop two. The intent was to observe students
while immersed in creative activity, to attempt to capture what Mihaly Csikszentmi-
halyi (1990) refers to as flow. When looking at the recorded video, three students are
seen painting their characters on to smooth round rocks, unaware of the camera and
deeply engaged. As I adjust slightly to a better vantage point Ngam looks up and
becomes aware she is being recorded. As she looks to reengage with her work she
pauses momentarily holding her chin. She then brings her brush down to the paint
but quickly removes it again, pausing for a second time. At this point another stu-
dent, Mae, still unaware she is being recorded, brings her brush to the shared palette.
Ngam joins her but while Mae’s actions appear deliberate and guided by a clear
intent, Ngam is tentative in collecting her colour and it appears her actions are driv-
en by a need to act; simply because she is being observed. This stands in complete
contrast to the ease of her actions when she was unaware of being video recorded.
While immersed in her work, there was no sense of difficulty in making choices or
decisions.
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In “Perspectives on the Social Psychology of Creativity”, Amabile and Pillemer (2011,
p.10) refer to this as “surveillance” noting a “negative effect on creativity” that is trig-
gered by a sense of “being watched while working”. This feeling on the part of the
observed also leads to an assumption that they are being evaluated, and as such the
nature of their work changes. Csikszentmihalyi (1992, p.231) refers to this kind of sit-
uation as an “inauthentic project”, where extrinsic motivation then works to appease
external forces.
If we look deeper into this example of teacher intervention we begin to see another
interesting example of induced extrinsic motivation emerging. In identifying obsta-
cles to creativity within the Thai education system, my desire was to provide a pro-
gram that would stand in contrast to that. In could be said, that in order for the pro-
gram to be successful, there had to be an obvious and recorded increase in creativity
among the students participating in it. While recording data throughout the program,
it is reasonable to suggest that a self-validation process of sorts was initiated by me,
whether consciously or not. In other words, my observations were framed by a desire
to see evidence of increased creativity taking place. Having the program conclude
with an exhibition also required that the works produced “showed” creativity. Here, it
could be said that it was I who was deciding what and how works showed creativity.
Through my own personally invested aspirations, my guiding of the students in their
work may have constituted an external interference with the intrinsic motivation of
the student.
Evidence of this intervention was most apparent in project five, just as the exhibition
date drew closer. In fact this presented itself even in how the project was devised.
While observing the works produced by students in project three, a way of devel-
oping the unique and expressive quality to the prints to represent the individual
responsible for them was explored. The students would create more prints and this
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time frame them with a stencil created from digital photographs of the students
standing in profile. The significance here is that all aspects of the activity were now
controlled and directed by the teacher. There was little room for the student to move
away from the defined process in which they were about to engage. While this proj-
ect concept might lead to aesthetically appealing works, the creative autonomy of
the student was being diminished. Further to this product consideration was now
leading the process, something which was the complete opposite of the intentions
which drove the program into existence. It’s important to note that at no time during
this period was I aware I might be negatively impacting on the students’ intrinsic
motivation or on their creative independence. In fact I was convinced the opposite
was taking place.
Of the six students present during project five, only two of those had previously
attended project three. This meant that the color prints produced were very much
individual to the new students engaging in the process for the first time, and as
such were aesthetically different than what was previously produced. Had the same
students been present it may have been safe to assume that similar works would
have emerged again this time, works that would have lent themselves to my pre-
determined vision of the project outcome. As such my control over the process was
being ceded to their autonomous explorations. In analysing my interventions at this
point it is clear that following the first batch of prints, I tried directing the students
to produce outcomes more similar to those of project three. Notes in my research di-
ary also show a frustration on my part in that I felt I wasn’t being listened to during
these attempts. On reflection, I am now glad that their persistence maintained.
It’s quite remarkable to discover, that while holding a very sincere desire to foster
student creativity, I could be very actively obstructing students in their desire to be
creative, and furthermore to not have an awareness of this despite my investigations
into inhibitors of creativity. What I believe this shows is that educators are under very
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similar structures of control that students are subject to. This has significance on the
educators ability to provide the kind of environment needed for successfully foster-
ing student creativity. For while much is written of the need to promote risk taking
and a tolerance of ambiguity in terms of the student, the educator too must face
these in the letting go of control and ownership of the very programs and classes
they deliver. While this may indeed be investigated elsewhere, my own research into
literature on creativity and education did not highlight this. Also, of all of the au-
thors I have encountered that discuss the fostering of creativity in schools, none but
Amabile in 1989, provide sample activities or lesson plans they deem appropriate in
successfully achieving this. I believe this absence to be a significant loss.
4.4 Tolerance for ambiguity.
Of the eight personality characteristics which Amabile (1989) contends lend them-
selves to an increased likelihood of creative thinking skills, a tolerance for ambiguity
is arguably the most challenging for the Thai student to develop.
Hallinger and Kantamara’s study on Thailand’s education system (2001, p.391) con-
tends that “Thailand ranks high on uncertainty avoidance”. Using Hofstede’s (1980)
Framework for Analyzing Cultures, their research shows a “high level of discomfort
with uncertainty, ambiguity, and complexity” among the Thai population. Tiranasar’s
(2010) observations here are particularly interesting in this regard.
“The lack of passion of the Asian student for what he studies is mirrored by his unwillingness to take charge of the learning process. Instead, the students expect their teachers to give them explicit instructions on what tasks and assignments they should read and when to read them, what tasks and assign-ments they should complete and how to do them. They feel uneasy about unstructured situations in which they have to decide what to do ... They hesitate to ask questions and do not participate actively in class” - AmpaiTiranasar, Ph.D. Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand.(2010, p.12).
23
This has a significant impact on the potential for successful creative engagement, for
among the many frameworks that are said to foster creativity or the personal char-
acteristics deemed conducive to creativity, a tolerance of ambiguity is a common and
salient feature (Amabile,1989. Sternberg, 2010).
In searching for recurrent themes within the program, it became apparent that there
was a significant degree of student uneasiness with ambiguity at intervals in the
program, particularly within the first few workshops. This was observed as an initial
reluctance to engage in activities that were less structured or required students
to make decisions and take ownership. In terms of when this occurred, it present-
ed itself most regularly at the beginning stages of a new project and at significant
stages in a project where the nature of the activity changed. In the switch over from
free-form to representational activity in session one, Kit, Ladda, Moo, and Noei were
noticeably uncomfortable in having to interpret something from their work, instead
remaining silent for long periods.
Richmond (2007), in reference to research comparing Western and Eastern students
attitude towards their work, observes that the promotion of the Westerns student’s
positive contributions are the focus of their educators attention, while the Eastern
student is observed in terms of their negative contributions which must be dispelled.
The significance of this is that it pertains to a self-reflection process within the East-
ern student that emphasizes not doing the wrong thing. In this sense we are essen-
tially seeing a promotion of non-action over action. Such inner restraint may explain
a reluctance to tolerate ambiguity in an activity, for while there is the potential for
discovery there is also an increased likelihood of mistakes being made in the pro-
cess. Eisner too makes a similar observation, though one that is much more wide-
spread among the educational experiences of children of a similar age worldwide.
“Almost all of the basic skills taught in the primary grades teach children that there is only one correct answer to any
24
question and only one correct solution to any problem.”
- Eisner (1992 p.594)
In session two, when students brought their work to the streets of Chiang Khan to
exhibit, research diary notes from the day pointed to “an initial awkwardness about
placing the work in public”. The students were hesitant to engage and instead looked
to me for instruction. This hesitancy was eventually broken by Ngam, who placed
her painted stone character inside the head of a plastic rose plant beside an ATM
machine where she stood, and called for my attention. The moment this received
an enthusiastic response, the remaining students had no hesitation in engaging in
similar approaches.
Ambiguity may also have played a role in the continued absence of Kit following
his only involvement in workshop one. Two weeks prior to the beginning of the
program, Kit had been introduced to me by his music teacher on the morning of the
introductory drawing activity. “He really likes Art and is looking forward to your pro-
gram” exclaimed the teacher as Kit proudly showed a sketchbook full of colour theo-
ry studies and technical drawings. His subsequent hesitation at the beginning of the
free form ink blowing and then interpretative stage of workshop one, may have been
a result of being in an unfamiliar environment where the context of Art had changed
for him. As one of the older students in the program (with the cultural significance
of that whilst working with younger students), and considering the context of how
art had been framed for him up to that point in school, the ambiguity of free-from
exploration and having to provide his own observations may have been seen as a
shifting of the ‘correct answer’ and may have led to a discomfort in participating.
In contrast to this, Noei who also showed reluctance in workshop one but was
present for all but workshop two, became more engaged as the month went on.
The youngest student in the program at six years old, Noei was given assistance by
25
Trairat Pakette (Program Assistant) in workshop three and by Puma Boonlert (Vis-
iting Artist) in workshop four. However, in workshop five and six Noei worked inde-
pendently, most notably in workshop six where her approach was among the most
original of the street chalk drawings. This is made all the more interesting in that
Noei was late to the workshop and arrived when most of the other drawings were
complete and visible to her. In that sense it could be argued that Noei’s work was not
an attempt to provide a correct answer to the project but rather generative of her
creative autonomy. It could be interpreted that her youth allowed her a particular
flexibility, or a greater accessibility to her creativity, that more experienced students
were losing through their time spent in conformist environments.
26
CONCLUSION
The variety of research engaged, while in many ways informative has offered up new
questions. What I have come to understand is that while creativity is inherent, the
possibilities for engagement are subject to the particular socialization processes of a
country or culture. When focusing on fostering creativity in young children, it is also
highly important to consider the socialized framework that navigates the educator
in their efforts to foster this creativity. To truly focus on creative engagement as a
process means to not over emphasize a need for evidence of it in the product. This
would suggest that a substantial process of ‘letting go’ is involved for both parties,
in order to be in a maximized environment of intrinsically motivated creativity. Also,
while the strength of the bonds to enculturalization are real, there is enough evi-
dence in the outcomes of the arts program to suggest that both student and teacher
can indeed move beyond that. Ambiguities which caused hesitation among some
students were overcome at particular periods in the programs workshops, and at
times a creative autonomy and confidence revealed itself. It must be remembered
that this occurred within a very limited time-frame, it would indeed be interesting to
see what could emerge within an ongoing out-of-school creative arts program. On
a personal level, my analysis of my own teacher interventions has brought about an
awareness that fostering creativity is not possible on best intentions alone, and that
a change in focus is required within my practice. This will be an ongoing learning
process.
In terms of Thailand itself, while observing how Buddhism’s moral code can be per-
ceived to negatively effect creativity, the more philosophical elements to Buddhism
may compliment elements within creative engagement. Csikszentmihalyi’s “flow”
27
(1990), Vygotsky’s concepts relating to imagination (2004), and Watt’s observations
on the Sumiye artists of Japan’s Zen Buddhist period (1958), all relate in some way
to an appreciation of processes in the ‘now.’ I believe there may be possibilities for
further research here that can relate to Thailand, where creativity and Buddhist
philosophy could work together through immediacy and spontaneity within creative
engagement processes.
Beyond this, Academics like Tiranasar (2010) and Rojanapanich&Pimpa (2011), ob-
serve that the youth of a rapidly changing Thailand are looking to the role of Art to
expand beyond perceptions of its place in a static and history centric culture. Tirana-
sar offers some insight behind this in her assertion that:
“General knowledge has widened the field of imagination and the result is the young Thai artists “want” to create something new corresponding to their own conceptions and plastic re-alizations. In doing so, they work against the current of public artistic appreciation, but it is indispensable for them to follow their natural instinct because it sincerely reflects their own historical surroundings, which are now the surroundings of everyone in Thailand.” (2010, p.17)
This natural instinct is something that could be greatly assisted at an educational
level through the fostering of creativity. Yet for this to happen, it is clear that hurdles
need to be overcome, not least those involving how educators achieve this.
Following this report, it is my intention to engage with artists and art educators to
collect and produce art project and activity concepts that may be deemed supportive
of creative engagement. I feel that the potential for a valuable resource exists within
this that would benefit both my practice and those of others seeking to foster cre-
ativity. I am interested in the international perspectives that may arise within that;
perspectives which may challenge my own enculturalization, and the processes that
have led to how I too have come to define creativity.
28
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33
REFERENCE LIST
Amabile, T.M, (1989), ‘Growing Up Creative: Nurturing a Lifetime of Creativity’, New
York, Crown Publishers.
Vygotsky, L.V, (2004) ‘Imagination and Creativity in Childhood’, English Journal of Rus-
sian and East European Psychology, vol. 42, no. 1,January–February 2004, pp. 7–97.
2004. M.E. Sharpe, Inc,.
Lubart, T.I, Georgsdottir, A, (2004), ‘Creativity: Developmental and Cross-Cultural Is-
sues’, Creativity: When East meets West, Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and Gracy Y C
Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
Runco, M.A, (2004), ‘Personal Creativity and Culture’, Creativity: When East meets West.
Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and Gracy Y C Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing
Co. Pte. Ltd.
Bogdan, R. C & Biklen, S. K. (2003). Qualitative Research for Education: An introduc-
tion to Theories and. Methods (4th ed.). New York: Pearson Education group.
Candy, L. Z.Bilda, Z (2009) ‘Understanding and Evaluating Creativity’, A Creativity and
Cognition Conference Tutorial.
Thomas G (2013). How to do your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Educa-
tion and Applied Social Sciences. Sage Publications 2013.
34
Runco, M.A, (2004), ‘Personal Creativity and Culture’, Creativity: When East meets West.
Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and Gracy Y C Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing
Co. Pte. Ltd.
Hallinger P, Kantamara P (2001), Exploring the Cultural Context of School Impove-
ment in Thailand. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 2001, Vol 12, No 4.
Swets & Zeitlinger.
Ng, A.K, Hor, K.K.H, ‘(2005), Teaching Attitudes, Emotional Intelligence and Creativity
of School Teachers in Singapore’.
Tiranasar A (2004), Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand. Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand. Presented at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Art Education Confer-
ence, Hong Kong Dec. 28-30, 2004.
Runco, M.A, (2004), ‘Personal Creativity and Culture’, Creativity: When East meets West.
Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and Gracy Y C Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing
Co. Pte. Ltd.
Ng, A.K, Smith, I, (2004), ’Why is there a Paradox in Promoting Creativity in the Asian
Classroom?’, Creativity: When East meets West. Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and
Gracy Y C Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
UNESCO. Fry, G.W, (1999) ‘Management of Education in Thailand: A Review and
Recommendations for an Implementation Strategy for Decentralization’, Prepared
for UNESCO-Bangkok as part of the Asian Development Bank Social Sector Program
Loan in the framework of the Education Management and Finance Study
Project TA2996-THA
35
UNESCO. Iwai, K (2003), ‘Overview: Arts Education in Asia’, Prepared for the UNESCO
Regional Conference on Arts Education in Asia, May 2003 in Thailand.
Lubart, T.I, Georgsdottir, A, (2004), ‘Creativity: Developmental and Cross-Cultural Is-
sues’, Creativity: When East meets West, Editors Sing Lau, Anna N N Hui and Gracy Y C
Ng, 2004, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
Tiranasar A (2004), Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand. Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand. Presented at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Art Education Confer-
ence, Hong Kong Dec. 28-30, 2004.
Elton, L, (2007), ‘Assessing Creativity in an Unhelpful Climate’, Creativity or Confor-
mity? Building Cultures of Creativity in Higher Education, A conference organised by
the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff in collaboration with the Higher Education
Academy, Cardiff January 8-10 2007.
Craft, A, (2001) ‘An analysis of research and literature on Creativity in Education’,
Report prepared for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
Amabile, T.M, (1989), ‘Growing Up Creative: Nurturing a Lifetime of Creativity’, New
York, Crown Publishers.
Watts, R. H., Jr., Cashwell, C. S., & Schweiger, W. K, (2004), ‘Fostering Intrinsic Motiva-
tion in Children: A Humanistic counseling process. Journal of Humanistic Counseling,
Education and Development, 43, 16-24.
Jeffrey, B and Craft, A (2004). Teaching creatively and teaching for creativity: distinc-
tions and relationships. Educational Studies, 30(1), pp. 77–87. Taylor Francis.
36
Amabile, T.M, (1998), ‘How to Kill Creativity: Keep Doing What You’re Doing. Or, If You
Want to Spark Innovation, Rethink How You Motivate, Reward,and Assign Work to
People, Harvard Business Review, September-October 1998.
Amabile, T M, Pillemer, J. “Perspectives on the Social Psychology of Creativity.” Journal
of Creative Behavior 46, no. 1 (March 2012): 3–15.
Csikszentmihalyi, M, (1990) ‘Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’, Harper &
Row Publishers, New York.
Hallinger P, Kantamara P (2001), Exploring the Cultural Context of School Impove-
ment in Thailand. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 2001, Vol 12, No 4.
Swets & Zeitlinger.
Tiranasar A (2004), Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand. Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand. Presented at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Art Education Confer-
ence, Hong Kong Dec. 28-30, 2004.
Eisner, E, (1992), ‘The Misunderstood Role of the Arts in Human Development ‘, Phi
Delta Kappan, 7(8) – 1992, pg 592
Tiranasar A (2004), Cultural Identity and Art Education in Thailand. Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok, Thailand. Presented at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Art Education Confer-
ence, Hong Kong Dec. 28-30, 2004.
37
APPENDICES
8.0 Artwork Samples
38
8.1 Questionaire (English).
This questionnaire is for the purpose of research into Art in the Thai education sys-
tem. Your name will not be appear in any of the research and instead a pseudonym
will be used. This questionnaire is purely voluntary and you can decide to withdraw
your participation at any time.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Job title: __________________________________________________________________________
School: ___________________________________________________________________________
Qualification: ______________________________________________________________________
Your School.
How many students in your school?
How many art teachers are in your school?
Does your school have an art room with art materials?
How do you rate the art facilities at your school?
Not good – ok – standard – good – excellent.
Your Classes.
How many art classes do you teach every week?
How long are your art classes?
What grades do you teach, and how many hours do you teach each grade?
On average, how many students are in your class?
Do you follow the official Thai curriculum?
Do you create your own lesson plans?
Your Syllabus.
How often do you teach the following:
39
Never – Sometimes - Regularly - Often – Every week.
• Art History (Thai).
• Art History (International).
• Contemporary Art Practice(Thai).
• Contemporary Art Practice (International).
• Life Drawing.
• Still Life.
• Painting.
• Sculpture.
• Ceramics.
• Craft.
• Visit Art Galleries.
• Visiting Artist studios or artists visit the class.
• Photography.
• Multimedia (computer software, photoshop etc.)
• Animation.
• Film.
• View traditional Thai Art.
• View contemporary Thai Artists works.
• View contemporary International Artist works.
Which of the following do you feel is more important?
• Imagination and creativity.
• Skills and technique.
40
8.2 Questionaire (Thai).
41
42
43
8.3 Permission Form (English).
Dear Parent,
My name is Neil Delaney. I am a 35 year old teacher from Ireland who has been
living in Thailand for four years. I have previously worked as a multimedia teacher
in PTK Nong Khai, and at Chiang Khan School. I have a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art
Painting from the Limerick School of Art and Design, Ireland. I am currently in my
final year of the Masters of Arts in Art and Design Education.
I will be hosting a creative art program in Chiang Khan called “Saang San Chiang
Khan” for a total of six weeks, starting in March and ending in mid-April. The pro-
gram will provide contemporary art classes that are free of charge to all students.
I will be working alongside Chiang Khan based Music teacher,(name removed for
anonymity), and an assistant Trairat Pakkete who is a Fine Arts Print graduate from
Chualalongkorn University. We will also have some visiting Thai artists who will work
with students on some projects.
As part of the program I will be conducting research on how the students engage in
their creative art practices. I am interested in their experience within the program
compared to their experience within a school environment. I will look to document
this using photography, video, and audio recordings of the students at work and of
their finished artworks. I will also be taking notes reviewing what happened in each
class, and may also interview students about their work.
At the end of the program we will have a public exhibition of the students’ work that
will be free for all to attend. The exhibition will take place in Chiang Khan.
I am writing to ask your consent, as parent and guardian, for your child to take part
44
in these art classes. I am also asking for your consent in allowing me to record your
child’s experience of the art program as part of my Masters Degree research. Your
child’s name will not feature in the research and a pseudonym will instead be used.
Thank you and best wishes.
Neil J. Delaney.
I give consent for my child to participate in the Saang San Chiang Khan creative arts
program.
Signature: ______________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
I give consent for photographs, video, and audio recordings to be taken of my child’s
participation in the program, and also of the work that they create. I also give
permission for my child to be interviewed.
Signature: ______________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________________________________________
45
8.4 Permission Form (Thai).
เรียน ผู้ปกครอง
ผมชื่อ นีล เดเลนีย์ อายุ 35 ปี มาจากประเทศไอร์แลนด์ มีอาชีพเป็นครูอาศัยอยู่ที่ประเทศไทย 4 ปีแล้ว เคยสอนวิชาคอมพิวเตอร์ที่
โรงเรียนประทุมเทพ จ.หนองคาย และสอนภาษาอัลกฤษที่โรงเรียนเชียงคาน จบการศึกษาปริญญาตรีสาขาศิลปกรรมศาสตร์ เอกจิตรกรรม
จาก Limerick School of Art and Design ประเทศไอร์แลนด์ ปัจจุบันกำ ลังศึกษาปริญญาโทสาขาศิลปกรรมศาสตร์
ผมมีความประสงค์จะจัดโครงการศิลปะสร้างสรรค์ ชื่อ “สร้างสรรค์เชียงคาน” มีระยะเวลาทั้งสิ้น 6 สัปดาห์ เริ่มตั้งแต่ต้นเดือนมีนาคม
ถึงกลางเดือนเมษายน จะจัดการเรียนการสอนศิลปะสมัยใหม่ โดยไม่เสียค่าใช้จ่าย ผมทำ งานร่วมกบัครูสอนบ้านดนตรี ออดี้ และผู้ช่วย
ชื่อ ไตรรัตน์ ปักเคเต จบปริญญาตรีสาขสศิลปกรรมศาสตร์จากจุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวทิยาลัย และในบางโอกาสจะมีครูศิลปะหรือศิลปินในสา
ขาอื่นๆ มาช่วยสอน
โปรแกรมที่ผมจะดำ เนินการเป็นการวิจัยเกี่ยวกบัวิธีการที่นักเรียนมีส่วนร่วมในการสร้างสรรค์งานศิลปะและประสบการณ์ของนักเรียนภายใน
โครงการที่ผมจัดขึ้นเมื่อเทียบกบัประสบการณ์ของพวกเขาในสภาพแวดล้อมของโรงเรียนผมจะใช้การถ่ายภาพถ่ายวิดีโอและบันทึกเสียงของ
นักเรียนในการทำ งานและผลงานที่เสร็จสมบูรณ์แล้ววิเคราะห์สิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นในแต่ละชั้นเรียนและอาจสัมภาษณ์นักเรียนเกี่ยวกบัการทำ งานของ
พวกเขา
ในตอนท้ายของโครงการเราจะมีการจัดแสดงนทิรรศการศิลปะของนักเรียนขึ้นในเชียงคานสำ หรบับุคคลทั่วไปสามารถเข้าชมได้ฟรี
ผมเขียนไปถามความยินยอมของผู้ปกครองเพื่อให้บุตรของท่านมีส่วนร่วมในชั้นเรียนศิลปะ นอกจากนี้ผมยังขอความยินยอมในการอนุญาต
ให้ผมบันทึกประสบการณ์ของบุตรของท่านเพื่อเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของโครงการศิลปะการวิจัยปริญญาโทของผมชื่อบุตรของคท่านไม่มีบทบาท
สำ คัญในการวิจัยและจะใช้เป็นนามแฝงแทน
ขอขอบคุณ
นีลเดเลนีย์
ผม/ฉันยินยอมให้บุตรเข้าร่วมในโครงการศิลปะ “สร้างสรรค์เชียงคาน”
ลายเซ็น: _________________________
ชื่อ: _________________________
ผม/ฉันยินยอมให้มีการถ่ายภาพถ่ายวิดีโอบันทึกเสียงและสัมภาษณ์
ลายเซ็น: _________________________
ชื่อ: _________________________
วันที่ ___/___/___