Cultural Learning Processes through Local Wisdom

Abstract

This article provides the background and concept of Thailand Lifelong Learning [LLL], even attempting a definition. The Thai LLL vision encompasses strategies for developing human qualities such as integrity, self-reliance, adaptability, resilience, and spirituality, to name a few. In some regards LLL seeks to recapture a more fully-developed perspective, on what in earlier times and places [1238 AD in Thailand], was called ‘indigenous education', as it now pursues the benefits of a vibrant Learning Society. Progress of LLL in Thailand at times seems to be very slow and methodological rather than dynamic. It stems from developing a policy of learning processes for establishing solid education systems – Formal, Non-Formal, and Informal. LLL also has developed by means of garnering and integrating ‘Local Wisdom' [a Thai term designating important valued human experience] into what has become known as ‘cultural learning processes'. This Local Wisdom is held by ‘Wisdom Teachers' and encompasses nine areas, as follows: agriculture, handicraft/cottage industry, traditional medicine, conservation of natural resources, funding/community economics, fine arts, languages/literatures, philosophy/religion/tradition, and food/nutrition. Government Organizations and Private Non-Governmental Organizations have strongly supported and have been major forces for advancing cultural learning, LLL, and what may be labeled as a ‘Learning Society'. In addition, collaboration between Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok [Thailand's premier university] and Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri, USA, has helped Thai LLL advance immeasurably and move toward becoming a Learning Society from 2010 to 2015. Added to this, and provided a Model of Cultural Learning, with recommendations for improvement at the National and Community levels. It concludes with assurances toward its creating diversity within the constituencies to be served, strengthening a self-sufficient economy, solidifying moral values, and enhancing Thailand's becoming a vibrant and flourishing Lifelong Learning Society.

Nyangku Traditional Ceremony: How Does the Community Effort to Preserve It and What is the Impact on Social Learning and Students' Curious Character?

“…The phenomenological approach is the study of the life or cultural experiences of individuals or groups or a method for studying how individuals subjectively perceive experiences and provide meaning to these phenomena. Qualitative research is a particular tradition in the social sciences that basically relies on observing people and their own regions and relating to these people in their language and terminology [40], [24]. This qualitative research method uses in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to collect descriptive and contextual data.…”

Analysis of Teachers' Ethnolinguistic Knowledge at Primary School in Pemayung District

“…Currently, the implementation of the 2013 curriculum should include learning based on local wisdom, especially in elementary schools. Government action in order to preserve culture, especially local wisdom of an area through education, has been implemented since implementation of the Unit Level Curriculum Education based wisdom local can integrated to in learning content [11], [12]. Learning that integrates local wisdom values is important, considering that this is an effort in the process of preserving Indonesia's diverse culture [13], [14].…”

Development of Android Physics Learning Tools Based on Local Wisdom Traditional Game Bola Boy as a Learning Source

“…Students can also develop their knowledge and personality traits [21]. At the same time, local wisdom is the idea of local communities containing wisdom values passed down from one generation to the following [22]. Local wisdom was taught by the first generation in the form of knowledge, how to understand and act in a situation [23].…”