Analysis of Geo-informatics Teaching Capabilities of Teachers in Thai High Schools by Geographic Information System

Abstract

This study was aimed to create criteria and develop a teaching capability model of geo-informatics in Thai high Schools. The 19-item-closed questionnaires, developed using key information in social studies strands approved by the Ministry of Education and weightings of major and minor criteria judged by 10 geo-information experts, were responded by 57 teachers of geo-informatics as target group and interviews were made with the same group. The questionnaire data gained were used to construct the GIS Model to assess teaching geo-informatics capabilities in schools. Weighting criteria as the most important criteria included personnel (73%), tool (16%), and teaching methods (11%). The most important minor criteria consisted of experience (28%) and training (12%), and geo-informatics teachers (9%). Based on analysis of geo-informatics teaching capabilities in schools, as a whole, schools’ capabilities in teaching geo-informatics were found at high (12%), moderate (26%), low (54%), and the lowest (7%) levels respectively.

Keywords: Geo-informatics, Social Studies Teachers in High Schools, GIS