Author Information
Pronyos Chattarakul, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, ThailandPote Nilsa-ard, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Arunothai Sarigakham, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Abstract
Lifelong learning is a central goal of contemporary education systems, yet many initiatives remain fragmented across formal schooling, informal learning, and community engagement. This paper examines Klongsan MAKE, a community-embedded initiative in the Khlong San district of Bangkok, Thailand, positioning hands-on making as a continuous learning practice spanning schools, a district-based maker hub, and local community networks. The study builds on long-term observations indicating persistent gaps in making skills and experiential learning, followed by qualitative field research involving 11 schools in Khlong San and nearby districts, teachers, students, and community partners. Using participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and co-creation workshops, the research investigates how making functions as a lifelong learning mechanism by supporting continuity, learner agency, and integration across formal and informal learning contexts. Findings indicate that Klongsan MAKE strengthens conceptual understanding of STEAM and develops lifelong learning dispositions, including hands-on confidence (reduced fear and embarrassment in trying, failing, and iterating), curiosity, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-directed exploration. The initiative also reshapes educators’ roles and activates community members as co-learners, mentors, and facilitators. The paper argues that lifelong learning is most effectively cultivated when making is embedded within place-based ecosystems rather than confined to classrooms or specialized facilities. Klongsan MAKE is proposed as a replicable, area-based model for developing lifelong learning ecosystems through accessible, community-driven making practices.
Paper Information
Conference: ACE2025Stream: Adult
This paper is part of the ACE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Chattarakul P., Nilsa-ard P., & Sarigakham A. (2026) Cultivating Lifelong Learning Through Community-Embedded Making: A Case Study of Klongsan MAKE in Bangkok ISSN: 2186-5892 – The Asian Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 1157-1167) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.91
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.91
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