DEVELOPING STUDENT TEACHERS' INNOVATION CAPABILITIES IN CREATING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-PROMOTING INVENTIONS FOR ELDERLY THROUGH PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the current conditions, problems, and needs; and 2) develop the capabilities of preservice teachers in creating innovative devices to promote physical activity among the elderly. A participatory action research approach was employed. The key informants included university instructors, students, and community representatives, totaling 35 participants. Data were collected through document analysis, interviews, observation, and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that, first, the current conditions, problems, and needs included: preservice teachers having theoretical knowledge in innovation design but lacking hands-on experience, real-world application opportunities, and local learning resources; communities and elderly individuals expressing a need for physical activity programs but lacking appropriate, user-friendly equipment; and students lacking skills in innovation processes, such as design, evaluation, and refinement. Second, the development process was carried out through five main activities: assessing community needs and context, designing innovations for the elderly, developing prototypes, testing in the community, and presenting and scaling the innovations. These activities contributed to student development in four aspects: participatory learning with the community and increased understanding of innovation design, elderly health, and local contexts; enhanced analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills; greater awareness of their role as developers, responsibility, and a passion for learning; and improved innovation techniques, experimentation skills, and motivation for further innovation development