Knowledge Management in Research and Transfer of Processes for Developing Inmates into Silk Weaving Instructors to Continuity in the Silk Weaving Profession in Lamphun Provincial Prison

Abstract

This research aimed to develop inmates into silk weaving instructors in Lamphun Provincial Prison. It started from the problem of the lack of systematic development of silk weaving skills among inmates. The inmates with skills were released from prison but their knowledge was not transferred to the new generation of inmates. As a result, the number of prisoners with silk-weaving skills decreased. The research sample was divided into four groups: 1) 14 inmates who served as silk weaving teachers, 2) 20 inmates who were new learners, 3) three inmates responsible for training and developing both weaving skills and knowledge transfer methods and 4) supervisors and caregivers consisting of the commander and officers of Lamphun Provincial Prison, five persons in total. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. The research instruments included interviews, questionnaires, surveys, activity logs, and tests. The data was analyzed by using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

The research results found that 12 inmates were successfully trained as silk weaving instructors through the process of knowledge management from research and the transfer of development process in Lamphun Provincial Prison. The knowledge gained from the knowledge management process included: 1) a systematic and continuous process of developing inmates to become silk weaving instructors, 2) guidelines for developing silk weaving skills, 3) teaching materials for brocade silk weaving, 4) essential qualities of effective skill weaving instructors, and 5) success factors for developing inmates to become silk weaving instructors in prisons and correctional institutions. This knowledge was applied to design a guideline for knowledge transfer through actual practice and divided into three steps: 1) strengthening brocade silk weaving skills, 2) enhancing knowledge transfer skills, and 3) hands-on teaching practice using a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and practical activities. After completing all the steps of developing inmates to become silk weaving instructors, it was found that the inmates who were instructors had increased their skills in silk weaving, with the average score increasing from 0.95 to 3.56. In addition, evaluations across seven key aspects showed improvements in all areas. For inmates who were new learners, the level of their silk weaving skills had increased from an average of 0 to 2.85. The assessment of changes in six aspects found that there was an improvement in every area. Moreover, the new learners praised the instructors for being calm, patient, and caring, and the teaching techniques were easy to understand and apply in practice.