Abstract:
To determine the effect of multicultural art teaching upon self-esteem of juveniles in the Juvenile Observation and Protection Center, Pathumthani Province. The study was conducted based on the hypotheses that the juveniles who had been taught by specially designed multicultural art lessons should have higher self-esteem. The subjects in the study were 17 juveniles, aged 15-18 years, under the custody of the Center while their cases were in the court. The four instrument used in the study were questionnaires, self-identity forms, multicultural art teaching plans, and self-esteem forms (adapted from the Coopersmith self-esteem inventory, school form). Before the experiment, the experimental group completed the questionnaires, self-identity forms, and the self-esteem forms. After that, they had attended an eightweek multicultural art class. Finally, they evaluated themselves, using the self-esteem forms a second time. The data from the study was analyzed by using the three criteria: average score, S.D. and t-test. The findings are as follows: 1. The average self-esteem score of the subjects increased significantly at .05. 2. The majority of subjects have a moderate level (inter quartile) of selfesteem. 3. The eight-week multicultural art class, which consisted of eight significant steps, supports the subjects self-esteem. To conclude, it is recommended that multicultural art teaching should be applied in art classes for children, youths, students, juveniles and so on. For further research in this area, various groups should be explored, considering their different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, languages, religions, social status, genders, etc.