Developing Innovative Learning Media from Local Knowledge to Foster Active Citizenship

Abstract

This research aimed to develop and evaluate learning media that is produced from local knowledge as well as promoting active citizenship in Chomphon Municipality, Ratchaburi Province. The research procedure consisted of three phases: (1) surveying the needs for learning media, (2) collecting and developing the media content, and (3) assessing user satisfaction with the media. The participants included municipal administrators, community leaders, and residents who were selected by purposive sampling. Research instruments were a learning media needs assessment questionnaire, key informant interview forms, local knowledge holders interview forms, and a user satisfaction evaluation form.

      The findings revealed that the top three needs for learning media focused on income generation, tourism, and access to the identity of the area. The media should be easy to understand, accessible, creative, accurate, and appealing to all ages. Local knowledge related to cultural values, traditional occupational wisdom, and civic roles in the community was then synthesized and developed into 10 video media and 12 infographic materials. Satisfaction assessment showed that the participants were “very satisfied” (Mean = 4.57, SD = 0.53) with the content of the videos and rated the quality of the videos including visual and audio elements at “more than satisfied” (Mean = 4.47, SD = 0.69).  For the infographics, satisfaction was “very high” (Mean = 4.73, SD = 0.50) across all aspects, and respondents stated that the content could be practically applied to their daily lives. This study demonstrates that community-based knowledge management, when translated into accessible media formats, can effectively motivate local learning, connect with the local context, and serve as a powerful tool in fostering active citizenship in the community.