A Study of Teaching and Learning Outcomes in the Carving Course on Crab Claw Pattern Design Using the 4 MAT Teaching Method for Third-Year Undergraduate Students at the College of Art Education

Abstract

This study aimed (1) to compare students’ learning outcomes before and after instruction using the 4MAT teaching method, and (2) to examine students’ opinions toward the teaching and learning process. The target group consisted of 10 third-year undergraduate students at the College of Art Education. Data were collected through field observations, document analysis, achievement tests, and a student opinion questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used for data analysis. The findings indicated that the students’ average score before instruction was 76 (Grade B), whereas the average score after instruction increased to 88 (Grade A), representing an improvement of 12 points or 12%. The highest individual improvement was 27%, followed by 15%, 14%, 12%, 11%, 8%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. In addition, the overall level of students’ opinions toward the teaching and learning process was very high (μ = 4.79, σ = 0.39). Among the evaluated aspects, instructional media and equipment obtained the highest mean score (μ = 4.90, σ = 0.59), followed by teaching and learning activities and measurement and evaluation (μ = 4.80, σ = 0.41; σ = 0.35), both at a very high level. The aspect with the lowest mean score was the instructor (μ = 4.70, σ = 0.45), which was also rated at a very high level. These results suggest that the 4MAT teaching method effectively enhances students’ learning outcomes and generates highly positive student perceptions of the learning process.