DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAINING CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO CREATE LEARNING WITH PARENTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STUDENTS
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Abstract
This research aimed to develop a training curriculum to enhance the ability to create learning with parents for early childhood education students by integrating executive function (EF), psychological capital, experiential learning, and professional learning communities (PLC) with the professional standards for early childhood teachers B.E. 2568 of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand. A four–phase research was employed: 1) a needs assessment with 24 second–year early childhood student teachers, 2) curriculum and implementation manual development and quality appraisal by five experts, followed by a pilot study with 10 second–year early childhood majors at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, 3) curriculum implementation with 24 second–year student teachers, and 4) curriculum evaluation with 24 student teachers and 20 volunteer parents using Kirkpatrick’s four–level model. Research instruments included a needs assessment questionnaire, curriculum and manual appraisal forms, a satisfaction scale, a behavioral observation form, a knowledge test, and focus group protocols. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, modified priority needs index, dependent t–tests, and content analysis. Results indicated high priority needs in all four domains of students’ ability to create learning with parents, with parent education and role enhancement ranked highest (PNImodified = 0.596). The developed curriculum and implementation manual were rated at the highest level of appropriateness Student teachers reported the highest level of satisfaction and their post–training knowledge scores were significantly higher than pre–training scores Behavioral changes and curriculum outcomes were also rated at the highest level while qualitative findings revealed that parents gained deeper knowledge, more positive attitudes, and more constructive parenting practices in supporting young children’s learning.
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