This study presents an educational innovation aimed at promoting community sustainability through the integration of social enterprise concepts, innovation, and local wisdom. The study adopts an interdisciplinary community-based learning approach in combination with participatory action research (PAR), emphasizing the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world engagement. The research was conducted within the context of Karen cultural landscapes, where learning units were designed through the synthesis of key social studies concepts and local learning resources. These included Historical Geography through mural paintings, Political Ecology through former lignite mining sites, Semiology through local weaving groups, Indigenous Landscape Architecture through the Traditional Calendar, and Peace Studies through the role of religious leaders as community anchors. The findings indicate that the interdisciplinary learning process played a significant role in developing pre-service teachers’ interdisciplinary thinking competencies, particularly in terms of interdisciplinary knowledge, contextual understanding, and the synthesis of knowledge across cultural dimensions. In addition, the study led to the development of various forms of social innovation for the community, including a community calendar, contour line-based household products, locally developed goods, contemporary woven textile products, and a peace education toolkit for secondary school students. This study highlights the potential of integrating spatial knowledge within interdisciplinary learning and proposes a model of social innovation education that is contextually grounded and capable of fostering sustainable communities.

Authors:
Chainarong Jarupongputtana, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Pirapong Wongsansi, Chiangmai University, Thailand
Pintusorn Onpiam, Chiangmai University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Chainarong Jarupongputtana Curriculum Teaching and Learning Department Faculty of Education Chiangmai University

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chainarong-jarupongputtana-9688062a5/

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