KHAO DURIAN: MANAGING THE LIFELONG LEARNING CERTRE

Abstract

Education is presently viewed as a very important component of Thai society, and new learning centers are developing across the nation. However, it is questionable whether the learning centers are in accordance with the needs of the local population, and whether the knowledge provided at the centers is applicable to real life and can lead to proper conservation of local cultural resources. The author believes that these questions must be considered when managing a learning centre.

The main objective of this article is to present the appropriate model for turning cultural resources in Ban Khao Durian, Nakhon Nayok, into a lifelong learning centre. The cultural resources can be classified into two knowledge groups: local wisdom and historical knowledge; archaeological knowledge, together they form the basic cultural database of the learning centre. This study proposes that the centre should comprise of two exhibition sections. The first section would comprise of an exhibition hall while the second section would be a site museum for studying Second World War history and archaeology, as well as local natural resources. A management plan is also proposed.