A learning process of self-development program to enhance potential in lifelong learning management of non-formal education facilitators in Thailand: A qualitative study

Recently a lifelong learning has been important in the knowledge-based economy and learning society. In Thailand, the National Education Act of B.E.2542, The Promotion of Non-Formal and Informal Education Act, B.E.2551 indicated lifelong learning was one of the ways to sustain community development. Thereby the non-formal education facilitators had to acquire knowledge and skills for their learners Therefore facilitators must be improved their self-development process to acquire knowledge with 7 concepts: (1) Desire to learn (2) Self-diagnosis (3) Set goals (4) Finding appropriate resources (5) Recruit of other people (6) Attempt to do (7) Self-evaluation. The purpose of this study was to find a learning process of self-development program to enhance non-formal education facilitators’ potential in lifelong learning management for sustainable community development. The design of this study was qualitative research, which was triangulated data by systematic reviewing, interviewing and surveying to find lifelong learning process and self-development to enhance potential of non-formal education facilitators. The results showed that the learning process was a cycle of inspiration, action, reflection, premise and dialogue. Thai lifelong learning management consisted of educational services, fundamental education, career education, society and community development. The starting of social capital and Thai Bhudda way of life enhanced non-formal education facilitators’ potential and developed community.