A Model Of Asian Elephant Conservation Based On Environmental Education In Thailand

Abstract

The aim of this research is to initiate a model of Asian elephant conservation through environmental education in Thailand. Combined qualitative and quantitative research methods including research surveys, in-depth interviews, and small group discussions were used to analyze the current situation regarding environmental perception, knowledge, knowledge management, expectation, and included SWOT analysis of Asian elephant conservation in Thailand. Research and Development (R&D) was later used to synthesize the model of Asian elephant conservation based on environmental education in Thailand, together with Action Research (AR) used to assess the research innovation efficiency by means of operational training for 50 participants at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, (TECC), Pak Chong District in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The research findings resulted in a model of Asian elephant conservation based on environmental education in Thailand. This model is comprised of 7 factors including (1) Systematic knowledge about Asian elephants; (2) Environmental literacy; (3) Individual behavior; (4) Participation in action; (5) Public interpretation; (6) Individual and community management, and (7) Monitoring and evaluation. Having assessed the innovation quality, the researcher evaluated its efficiency through the post-evaluation score with a statistically significant difference of 0.05 higher than the pre-evaluation score.