Effects of Adult Learning Program on Teachers’ Knowledge and Skills in Developmental Surveillance and Promoting Early Childhood Development

Abstract

Introduction Over the past decade, the number of Thai children experiencing developmental delays in early childhood has not decreased. This has led to widespread negative impacts on children, families, and the nation as a whole. Providentially, developmental delays in children can be addressed and prevented. By applying Adult Learning Theory, nurses can empower teachers to screen for early development problems and organize appropriate activities to promote child development. 

Objective To investigate the effects of an adult learning program on teachers’ knowledge and skills in developmental surveillance and promoting early childhood development with an emphasis on executive functions. 

Design A quasi-experimental design with two-group, pretest and posttest Methodology The participants in this study were teachers from two schools in the San Sai district of Chiang Mai Province during the academic year 2022. They were purposively selected based on inclusion criteria. The two schools were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups, and teachers within each school were randomized, with 24 participants in each group. The experimental group participated in a five-week Adult Learning Program, while the control group received the regular program. Data were collected using questionnaires that included personal information, knowledge, and skill tests for teachers in the surveillance and promotion of childhood development. The content validity index was .86 and .90, respectively, with reliabilities of 0.79 and 0.80. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, and Mann-Whitney U test. 

Results In the experimental group, the mean knowledge and skill after the program were significantly higher than before the program (z = -3.798, t = -20.843, p < .001, respectively). After the program, the mean knowledge and skill in the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (z = -4.483, t = -6.355, p < .001, respectively). Recommendations The Adult Learning Program is effective for improving the knowledge and skills of teachers in surveillance and promotion of early childhood development. As a result, nurses can apply this program in the learning process for teachers to adapt to academic circumstances.