DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT MODEL FOR ACQUIRING AN INQUISITIVE MIND OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The objective of this research is to develop a model of knowledge management through learning via weblog for an inquisitive mind of university students. There are three steps of the research.

Step 1 Background study, consisting of the two processes as follows: 1) Study characteristics of the graduate students’ inquisitive mind and the readiness of development of such characteristics through learning via weblog (The Desires of Ramkhamhaeng University Students for the Development of Self-Realization via Weblog: Apicha Dangchamroon, 2013)[1]: 2) Literature review on related concepts, theories and research:

Step 2 Development of knowledge management model through learning via weblog. This step consists of three processes. 2.1) Integrate and synthesize the information and details collected in Step 1 for the design concept 2.2) Consult 7 experts from 5 universities in a focus group discussion for the formation of elements and steps of knowledge management through learning via weblog 2.3) Based on the information gathered, develop the proto-type model and have it examined by the 7 experts for the elements and steps through the use of IOC (Index of Item Objective Congruence).

Step 3 Create evaluation criteria of an inquisitive mind. This comprises 3.1) set questions based on the data collected from Step (1): 3.2) The Committee of 3 experts reviews the contents for the validity and consistency for the first time. Comments and suggestions about relevance between the questions and the theories are noted for revisions and adjustment later. : 3.3) The Committee of 5 experts reviews the contents for the validity and consistency for the second time. 3.4) Study the reliability and clarifications of the questions with the use of Conbach’s alpha Coefficient. The result was collected from 30 students.

Results:
Step 1: 1) The average scores on traits of self-realization in general and in 6 specific areas (having faith in good virtues, self-control verbal and physical, understanding of life, sharing and giving, temper and responses and inquisitive mind) are fair. 2) 76% of the students are ready for self-study via weblog at home. And the convenient time is after school with the frequency of 4-5 times per week. 3) Most students would like to acquire self-realization through reflective writing on the weblog. The writing topics include 3.1) learning lessons in life 3.2) gaining knowledge for their study, and 3.3) obtaining techniques for successful learning, 3.4) views towards life and society, 3.5) understanding life, and 3.6) being happy in life incidents.

Step 2: Then the statistical analysis is carried out including the contents and mean. The instruments used includes questionnaire on the quality of the proto-type model and the statistical analysis. The following have been found out: 1. The prototype model evaluated by the experts has the mean of > 0.8. This shows the elements and processes can be used to form the model to be studied. 2. The model of knowledge management through learning via weblog consists of 6 elements as follows:1)Technology 2) Knowledge for knowledge management 3) Learning activities 4) The Student 5) The teacher and 6) Assessment on the characteristics of having an inquisitive mind. The model of knowledge management through learning via weblog consists of 6 steps as follows: 1) Preparation 2) Create motivation 3) Sharing existing knowledge 4) Construct new knowledge 5) Learning through sharing and 6) Synthesis of constructed knowledge.

Step 3: the statistical analysis is carried out including the contents for the validity and consistency for the first and the second times is > 0.8. Then the evaluation form is tested with a group of 30 students who are not the research respondents to assess the reliability and clarifications of the questions with the use of Conbach’s alpha Coefficient. The result is 0.95 (> 0.8) meaning the evaluation form is very reliable since the result is positive and leaning close to 1.

The evaluation form consists of 32 questions under the 4 main indicators:
1st indicator : su behavioral patterns that include determination to learn/ study (listen, read)
2nd indicator: ji behavioral patterns that include recollection of existing knowledge, trying to understand what they have read and listened.
3rd indicator: pu behavioral patterns that include learning by questioning, talking
4th indicator: li behavioral patterns that include learning by memorizing

In each area, there are four types of knowledge gained; namely, knowledge gained in class, knowledge gained outside class, knowledge gained on weblog and new knowledge that pops up in mind.