A SELF-LEARNING AREA OR YOUTH IN NONTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) extract lessons learned from model learning spaces in Thai society, 2) develop self-learning spaces for youth in Nonthaburi Province, and 3) establish a network of self-learning spaces for youth in Nonthaburi Province. Qualitative research and action research were conducted. The key informants included 15 individuals, including administrators, teachers, youth center administrators, and community leaders from model learning spaces at Rung Arun School and the Panyawat Thai Traditional Medicine Development Center. Additionally, 95 youth and visitors to the Wat Chan Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic were included. Focus group discussions were conducted with 10 experts. The research instruments included interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions.

The research results found that: 1) There were two model learning spaces in Thai society, namely Rung Arun ZERO WASTE from Rung Arun School: This is a model for training children and youth to practice self-discipline and develop analytical and systematic problem-solving skills, particularly in waste management. It helps them live happily in society and continue to innovate and Panyawat Thai Traditional Medicine Development Center: This model trains children and youth to work together to conserve, preserve, and expand upon the Thai wisdom of traditional medicine and massage. Through this, young people can achieve good physical and mental health, create growth hormones, and work with others who are different from them. They can also study, practice, and develop this knowledge to be integrated and applied in daily life, leading to a career that can support themselves and their families. The knowledge from these two model learning spaces will be used to develop a self-learning space for youth in Nonthaburi Province. 2) Development of Learning Space, a self-learning space for youth in Nonthaburi Province. The researchers worked with the temple committee and experts in traditional Thai medicine and massage to develop the temple into a youth self-learning space in Nonthaburi Province. By drawing on lessons from the model learning spaces mentioned previously, they transformed the "Wat Chan Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic" or also known as "Phumrawet Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic to be a learning area and encourage youth to learn Thai massage and develop it into a career to support themselves and their families. The process of developing the Wat Chan Thai Traditional Medicine Clinic as a self-learning space was evaluated by gathering opinions from youth and clinic service users. The results showed that all three aspects of the development were at a high level. 3) Creating a network of self-learning spaces for youth in Nonthaburi Province at the Bang Oi Chang Temple Museum, Nonthaburi Province. The network creation process included: 1) Realizing the need for a youth self-learning space network in the province. 2) Contacting temples that would be willing to join the network after making a joint decision. 3) Creating a shared commitment by inviting speakers on local culture, lifestyle, and wisdom to provide knowledge on developing a self-learning space. 4) Developing relationships by having the researcher continuously visit the Bang Oi Chang Temple abbot and other relevant people to strengthen the network. 5) Organizing joint activities, the researcher organized public relations activities for the network alongside the member temples and both public and private agencies.