Capacity Development Courses in Local Wisdom-Based Environmental Management for the Elderly

Abstract

The study aims to: 1) apply knowledge derived from lessons learned through implementing a local wisdom-based environmental management curriculum for the elderly; and 2) propose guidelines for integrating the knowledge gained from the experiences of elderly individuals as environmental management educators using local wisdom. Building upon research conducted in the fiscal years 2021 and 2022, this study applies these lessons in ten prototype communities across five regions of Thailand. It incorporates feedback from implementing the curriculum and an After-Action Review (AAR). The study found that elderly participants were keen on learning and teaching, as evidenced by their learning outcomes, readiness to acquire knowledge, and ability to apply it in daily life. This was demonstrated by the pre-test and post-test questionnaire results, which showed a significant increase in scores in the post-test. This improvement was due to activities that facilitated knowledge transfer from retired individuals to active participants, assessing the elderly's knowledge, experience, leadership qualities, and engagement in the learning process. Additionally, the elderly actively engaged in memory-stimulating games during teaching and learning activities. Developing older adults' potential as environmental management trainers using local wisdom requires support from senior learning institutions to implement the curriculum. This approach promotes confidence and capability development, enhances vocational skills, and creates employment opportunities and additional income for older adults. Educational field trips to exemplary communities, for example, enable them to observe and practice in real-life scenarios. They also learn to recycle plastic waste and repurpose fabric scraps into functional items, highlighting their community's uniqueness. These initiatives help cultivate environmental management awareness and local wisdom within the community.