The Effects of Learning Experience Provision on Multicultural Education of Sirey Ways on Cultural Competency in Early Childhood

Abstract

Koh Sirey is a small island located in the southeastern part of Phuket province. It is an area with diverse ethnicities and cultures, including the original indigenous people and the "Urak Lawoi" ethnic group, which is one of the 35 ethnic groups residing in Thailand. Due to the unique culture of the Urak Lawoi people, which differs from the local population, Koh Sirey has a relatively high level of multiculturalism. As a result, people in the area have to adapt to living together in a society with cultural diversity. This research aims to promote cultural competence in young children, Koh Sirey School and develop an experiential learning program focusing on the cultural heritage of Koh Sirey. The program aims to enhance cultural competence in early childhood through planned learning experiences. The target group for this program was a sample of 27 kindergarten students in the first semester of the 2022 academic year. The results of the comparison of cultural competence in early childhood showed that the post-learning scores were higher than the pre-learning scores. Additionally, observations of behavior during activities revealed that the children from Koh Sirey community could proudly talk about their community's background. On the other hand, the children who did not come from Koh Sirey community were able to adapt and establish good relationships with their peers, as well as understand their own culture and the culture of others.