PROBLEMS, NEEDS, AND GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL WISDOM-BASED LEARNING MANAGEMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Abstract

This research aimed to study the problems, needs, and guidelines for implementing local wisdom-based learning to promote the development of children with special needs. The research was conducted into two phases. In Phase 1, the population consisted of 409 administrators and special education teachers from Special Education Centers in nine provinces in the lower northern region in Thailand including Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, and Uthai Thani. In Phase 2, the target group was purposively selected, consisting of 27 administrators, special education teachers, and local wisdom experts (3 people per province). The research instruments included a questionnaire on the problems and needs regarding the implementation of local wisdom-based learning for the development of children with special needs, and an interview on guidelines for implementing such learning. The data were analyzed by using mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.
The results showed that 1) the overall levels of the problems and needs regarding the implementation of local wisdom-based learning for the development of children with special needs were high, and 2) the guidelines for implementing such learning should emphasize hands-on activities, the use of concrete instructional media, and authentic assessment. Furthermore, teacher development should be fostered through collaborative learning with the community, rather than relying solely on theoretical training.