Guidelines to Develop Education for Senior Citizens: A Pattern of Multi-age Classroom

Abstract

This research consisted of 3 objectives which were 1) to examine the learning obstacles of Thai senior citizens, 2) to study and develop lifelong education concepts for senior citizens, 3) to develop education for senior citizens in a pattern of multi-age classroom. The research method was qualitative research using documentary research and in-depth interview. The key informants included 12 active learning Thai senior citizens who were 60 years old and above living in Bangkok and another 3 stakeholders. The researcher analyzed the data using content analysis.

The research results showed that the learning obstacles that most Thai senior citizens underwent were physical health, followed by learning memory and inconvenience in transportation.  For the education concepts for senior citizens, the results revealed that the most well-liked pattern was the classroom learning such as groups or clubs for enjoyment according to one’s interest for example; art, music, sport, and other subjects which are applicable in daily life or making a living. For the development of education for senior citizens in a pattern of multi-age classroom, the results showed that the most important factors included the customized topics and comfortable learning atmosphere. Another important factor was the teacher or facilitator who should be experienced, caring, able to convey knowledge and offer appropriate learning opportunities for each student in the multi-age classroom.