Developing Student Potential Through Social Engineer Process for Aging Community Development

Abstract

This research consists purposes were 1. to upscale the Social Engineer Project through the creation of innovations for the elderly 2. to establish and develop a sustainable collaborative network between the university and local communities for improving the quality of life of older adults and 3. to examine the impact of the social engineer process on developing the skills of both students and the community. It was an action research study. The research instruments consisted of Fah Prathan, the Life Clock, a Development Timeline, a Process Timeline, the M.I.C Model, a behavioral observation form and a student reflective journal. The target group comprised 92 purposively selected participants. The data collected from the research instruments were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) Enhancing the quality of life of older adults through the extension of knowledge by faculty members and students via the social engineering process resulted in the creation of six innovative products. These included a simple stretching and exercise device for older adults, the development of cricket powder as a food ingredient, the revitalization of the local folk music and cultural performance “Rum Trod,” an innovative plant pot made from agricultural waste materials and herbal compresses and balms made from community-sourced herbs 2) The implementation in the targeted areas to improve the quality of life of older adults in communities surrounding the university was carried out in collaboration with six local network partners, covering six subdistricts in Mueang Surin District, Surin Province. This collaboration reflects the synergistic cooperation among three key sectors the government sector, represented by local administrative organizations that play a crucial role in community development; the civil society sector, representing the target communities and beneficiaries; and the academic sector or the university, consisting of faculty members and students who serve as the driving force behind the success of the initiative and 3) To examine the impact of the social engineering process on the development of skills among students and the community, the findings revealed that 3.1) Impacts on Students (1) Analytical thinking through the use of logical reasoning and critical thinking skills (2) Communication within the team and with the community, leading to improved adaptability in collaborative work (3) Coordination and teamwork skills, demonstrated through leadership, time management and appropriate delegation of responsibilities (4) Innovation development through the application of knowledge and skills from various disciplines 3.2) Impacts on the Community in four dimensions (1) Physical health, through the innovation of a stretching and exercise device (2) Nutrition, through the innovation of powdered cricket as a food ingredient (3) Social and cultural development, through the enhancement of the “Rum Trod” musical and dance performance and (4) Resource and environmental management, through the creation of plant pots made from agricultural waste materials.