Creating Active Citizens using Community-Based Learning

Abstract

This research article aimed to create community-based awareness citizens through the subject of Education for Sustainable Development in a Multicultural Society. The research methodology was a participatory action research. The research area consisted of 3 areas: 1) Ban Sai Khao Tok Community, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Khok Pho District; 2) Ban Bana Community, Bana Subdistrict, Mueang District; and 3) Ban Pho Ming Community, Pho Ming Subdistrict, Panare District, Pattani Province. The target group consisted of 2 groups: 1) community members who were interested in participating in activities in the 3 areas, totaling 30 people; and 2) a group of students who applied the awareness-building process in the 3 areas, totaling 24 people. The research instruments consisted of 1) in-depth interviews and 2) a participation observation form. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis through in-depth interviews, participatory workshops, and observations. The research results found that creating active citizens through research work in the subject of Education for Sustainable Development in Multicultural Societies occurred by using the community-based learning. It occurred by creating cooperation between members of the student group and members of the community to jointly solve problems and find ways to make efficient use of social resources. The research findings were that creating active citizens through the process of PDCA principles was an important tool that allowed the student group to study the problem conditions, search for knowledge for solving, try out, learn how to solve and develop, and apply knowledge to the knowledge transfer process.