MOBILIZATION PROCESS AND COMMUNITY ADAPTATION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION OF YAA PED NAAM LEARNING CENTER, MAE HONG SON PROVINCE

Abstract

    This research aimed to study the process of mobilization and the adaptation of a community in the implementation of alternative education at Yaa Ped Naam Learning Center. The research design adopted a qualitative research methodology, using a case study approach. The community selected purposively was Yaa Ped Naam Community located in Mae Hong Son Province. Data collection was conducted by means of in-depth interviews with 21 key informants. This was coupled with participatory observations. The research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires activity behavior logs, which had been checked for quality by the researcher’s advisors. Data analysis was performed using the content analysis, typological analysis, data interpretation, and logical reasoning methods. The results of the study revealed that the educational mobilization process in Yaa Ped Naam community consisted of 6 steps: 1) building awareness of being a local development agent among youth; 2) creating a group to establish the learning center; 3) conducting community-based education in accordance with the way of life of community members; 4) discussing lessons learned to review activities, identify arising problems, and find solutions; 5) extending results to improve students’ learning; and 6) creating educational innovations to enhance the quality of educational management in the 21st Century. There were 2 levels of adaptation in Yaa Ped Naam Learning Center: 1) at the community and organizational level that appeared in two types, aggressive reaction and compromise reaction; and 2) at the personal level which had 4 aspects, physical, self-conception, functional role, and interdependence.