A Qualitative Study of the Self-Directed Learning and Collective Power of Thai Village Health Volunteers in COVID-19 Prevention

Abstract BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions brought about by new normal protocols have obstructed Thai village health volunteers (VHVs) from carrying out regular duties and training. However, they seem to have found ways to learn and fulfil tasks in connection with COVID-19 prevention. The research examines their learning methods and the employment of collective power, a cultural asset found in Thai communities, to overcome working challenges. MethodQualitative data was collected from 30 VHVs working in ten communities from ten provinces across Thailand during the third wave of the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews and small focus groups were employed as data collection techniques. The themes and patterns under two main concepts – self-directed learning and collective power - were identified and analyzed. Results The VHVs’ self and selves-directed learning approaches were discovered. Not only did they gain COVID-19 related information from mass media and online platforms, but they also took initiatives to learn unfamiliar technologies which became important working tools in the context of the situation. While such learning methods highlight their autonomous learning attributes involving individuality or “self” learning concepts, the way they incorporated a collaborative learning method, reflects “selves” learning practices. The VHVs also utilized collective power - both in-group and inter-group power – through different networking systems. The main factors underpinning the collective power were kinship and kinship-like relationships among the VHVs and their community fellows. Their strong determination in working to help others - “doing good deeds” – helped to drive their self-learning and called for collective actions. ConclusionEven though the abruptness of the outbreak coupled with the lack of knowledge about COVID-19 left the VHVs unprepared for the task, the VHVs were able to adapt themselves and employ both autonomous and group learning methods. Unique Thai cultural characteristics (i.e., collective power, networking, and kinship systems) have become social capital that helps them to overcome working and learning difficulties. This study thus illustrates the possible intertwinement of collectivistic and individualistic values found in the process of self and selves-directed learning practices, and the implication of collective power as a cultural force in the field of community health promotion.