การพัฒนาแหล่งการเรียนรู้และเครือข่ายการเรียนรู้เพื่อส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยวโดยชุมชนของชาวมอญ ในจังหวัดลำพูน

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study needs and recommendations for learning center and learning network development in Ban Nong Du and Bor Kao communities in Lamphun Province; 2) study opinions of stakeholders towards learning center and learning network development; and 3) develop guidelines for learning center and learning network development for Community-based Tourism (CBT) promotion of Mon Communities in Lamphun Province. Mixed methods were applied with quantitative and qualitative approaches. That is 1) 273 pieces of questionnaire were used for collecting quantitative data from the locals in Ban Ruan Subdistrict, Pa Sang District, and 100% of the questionnaire was sent back completely; and 2) structured interview was applied for collecting qualitative data from three main groups comprising 1) four administrators; 2) two heads of Ban Nong Du and Bor Kao communities; and 3) four local wisdom elites. It was found that most of the informants were female (51.60%) who were 51-60 years old (19.80%), got highschool certificates (33.30%). They were employees (24.90%) living in Ban Nong Du and Bor Kao communities for more than 30 years (33.30%). In terms of the needs of learning center and network, participation in communities was considered the most important ( x̄ = 4.40), followed by Mon community network ( x̄ = 4.38), information resources ( x̄ = 4.37) ) In terms of learning resources of Mon communities, 26.40% of the locals used temples as their learning centers. 20.50% of them looked for interesting issues there, and 24.10% of them looked for information about traditions. In terms of recommendations for managing the learning center and network in Ban Nong Du and Bor Kao communities, five aspects were considered comprising 1) buildings and infrastructure; 2) information resources; 3) service and hospitality; 4) personnel / staff; 5) participation; and 6) other related aspects. For opinions of stakeholders towards learning center and learning network development of Mon Communities in Lamphun Province, it was found from the interview with four administrators that most organizations lacked policies about learning center and budget to support. In terms of management, they agreed that the locals should play important role, along with budget, internal and external project plans, as well as preparation for all types of information resources. Both heads of the communities agreed that identity and uniqueness of Mon communities consist of language, foods, clothes, and traditions. Plans to promote traditions and tourism needed to be prepared as the communities were efficient and ready to be developed as a learning center where local participation and associated organizations could be in charge. In terms of learning center development and learning network policies and guidelines should be prepared with the following aspects: 1) administration, with policies, budget, personnel / staff, buildings and infrastructure; 2) public relations; 3) participation; 4) learning network; and 5) Community-based Tourism (CBT) activities and programs.