A process of lifelong learning in Thai family culture

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a process of lifelong learning toenhance family strengths in Thai context, and (2) to develop the guideline for theprocess. Qualitative data were collected from in-depth interviews and naturalistic observations of fifteen best-practice of Thai families, and from two focus group discussions of seventeen selected experts. The instruments had content validity using expert judgment to evaluate the Item Objective Congruence Method (IOC), and had reliability measured by using two interviewers to observe and code for a pilot study of a strong family, and a try-out of five families for its consistency and reliability. All data were analyzed and synthesized using content analysis. The result findings were a six-step lifelong learning process. A guideline of the process can be practically applied to individual, family, school, and community. The six steps of lifelong learning process are as follows: understanding and accepting the situation, setting the goals & planning, setting the actual guidelines together, following the guidelines practically, recommunicating after practices, and evaluating and adapting. The findings also showed that family leaders with a sense of being lifelong learners make an impact in Thai learning way of family life, including a sense of family membership, and understanding one another in the family, both important in the process of lifelong learning in the family becoming successful. The research highlights that future study on Thai family strengths: lifelong learning, religious beliefs and Thai values should be conducted.