Shaping community-based curriculum of local wisdom on palmyra palm at Huai Krot community in Chai Nat province of Thailand: Initial design processes

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the curriculum development process undertaken by the Huai Krot community in the Chai Nat province of Thailand. The curriculum is centered on the local wisdom on palmyra palm, a valuable local resource. Achievement of this objective was facilitated through the delineation of the preparation and planning phases of course development. The commencement of community curricula entailed the execution of two fundamental stages. Before integrating the community curriculum into the educational process, it was crucial to establish efficient management strategies and conduct a thorough evaluation of the community’s engagement. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The investigation delineated two fundamental phases in the construction of a community curriculum. Preparation involved the assessing community capacity and needs. The primary stage of research was dedicated to familiarizing oneself with the field, whereas the subsequent stage of research was focused on identifying relevant curriculum concerns. The subsequent stage entailed the formulation of a curriculum plan that was firmly grounded in the local community. This stage required executing six tasks pertaining to curriculum formulation. The activities involved the forming of a committee, identifying challenges related to meeting community needs, training of trainers who would form community/local researcher teams, creating a curriculum based on community input, assessing the curriculum, and establishing a supervisory team. The article contributes to the understanding of how community-oriented curricula that utilize local knowledge and resources could play a crucial role in enabling, nurturing, and sustaining the growth of local communities.