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The research utilized research and development processes in order to 1) investigate the existing conditions along with learning problems and the self-directed learning model of teachers in community college institutes; 2) develop a learning community for teachers in community college institutes to promote learners’ self-directed learning and study the outcomes resulting from the implementation of this community; 3) develop a lesson plan that effectively promotes self-directed learning among learners in community college institutes; and 4) provide recommendations for leading the learning community of teachers within community college institutes to promote and build on learners’ self-directed learning. In the survey process, the sample group consisting of 161 full-time teachers from community college institutes in 2023 was selected through multi-stage sampling. For the experimental process, the sample group comprised 8 teachers who voluntarily applied to participate in this learning community.The learning process within the community was guided by the conceptual frameworks of self-directed learning, self-directed learning model for learners, and adult learning. Data collection was conducted through the extraction of lessons and body of knowledge acquired by the volunteers, as well as through note-taking and observations of the researcher who assumed the role of a facilitator. The findings indicated that the self-directed learning model within the learning community enabled teachers to design self-directed learning processes for both their personal development and the development of learners. The results can be categorized based on the objectives as follows. 1. Teachers in community college institutes have acquired knowledge through on-the-job training. However, there remains a lack of exchange and collaboration with teachers from other provinces. Besides this problem, they are facing the challenge in designing effective learning processes for both personal development and the development of learners. 2. A learning community for teachers in community college institutes to promote learners’ self-directed learning embodies a positive environment characterized by nine essential elements: (1) a diverse community that convenes through various platforms, both online and on-site, promoting continuous communication and interaction among its members, (2) a trustworthy founder/initiator, (3) members who are cultivated as facilitators, moving away from traditional “leader-followers” or “supervisor-subordinate” dynamics, fostering a sense of safety and mutual trust, (4) the development of learning points as thought-provoking questions, providing value to members and encouraging them to build on the points, (5) collaborative goal-setting, (6) emphasis on brainstorming and the exchange of knowledge, (7) the opportunity for members to independently shape their learning experiences, seeking solutions aligned with both personal and collective goals, (8) consistent two-way communication, and (9) reinforcement of morale and positive energy to cultivate a conducive learning atmosphere. 3. Teachers can develop four types of lesson plans by applying a thought-provoking principle of lesson plan development for learners in community colleges. The principle is the six HEARTS Principles: (1) Hybrid or the creation of integrated learning activities, (2) Empathic towards learners, (3) Art or the application of knowledge in designing and living one's own life, (4) Reflex, (5) Team & Target which refers to collaborative learning within a team and the shared goals, and (6) Science or the use of scientific methods to explore answers. 4. Recommendations and operational guidelines propose that institutes should allocate a budget and act as a central facilitator. In addition, they should establish a working group of facilitators, equipped with proper training at both local and institutional levels, to serve as organizers for learning communities at provincial, regional, and national scales. To effectively build on the learning community, the following key elements should be considered: (1) a foundational belief in the capabilities of every teacher, (2) the application of the concept of self-directed learning as a learning model in the community, (3) community objectives setting, (4) output goal setting, (5) role definition for participants, (6) freedom in learning process choice, and (7) positive atmosphere within the learning community to promote the self-directed learning of teachers in community college institute. |
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