The Development of a Place-Based Educational Program to Enhance Employability Skills through Hydroponic Vegetable Cultivation for Grade 4–6 Students at Ban Huay Pao Nuea School

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a place-based educational program integrating hydroponic vegetable cultivation to enhance employability skills of Grade 4–6 students at Ban Huay Pao Nuea School. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) design consisting of three phases: (1) problem and needs analysis, (2) program design and development, and (3) implementation and evaluation.The sample group comprised 25 students in Grades 4–6, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included lesson plans, a knowledge test, an employability skills assessment, a behavioral observation form, and a student satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using basic statistics: mean, standard deviation, and t-test.The results revealed that the developed place-based educational program integrating hydroponic vegetable cultivation was highly appropriate, with an average suitability score of 83.33%. After participating in the program, students demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and employability skills, with an average of 76.71%. In addition, student satisfaction toward the learning experience was at the highest level, with an average score of 4.54 In conclusion, the development of a place-based educational program integrating hydroponic vegetable cultivation effectively enhanced the employability skills of elementary school students. This program can serve as a model for educational practices aimed at promoting career skills and lifelong learning for future self-reliance.