Master of Arts Program in Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as an Approach to Innovation from Mahidol University: The Interconnected Nature of Human Life and Spiritual Practice

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess the interconnection of human life and spiritual by using observation method of learning process and outcome, and interactive reflection among teachers and students. Master of Arts Program in Sufficiency Economy PhilosophySufficiency Economy Philosophy as an approach to innovation from Mahidol University is a 2-year teaching interdisciplinary course for working adults to reskill and upskill for a change and doing an innovation in their routine. The results showed in three stories about innovation in three students’ workplaces/hospitals. There are 1) a center of promoting active aging society with collaboration between a district hospital and a municipal, 2) a curriculum for a patient care team in a district hospital to care patients for advance treatment plans of chronic kidney disease, and 3) a participatory safety guidance of infectious medical equipment and materials in a regional hospital. Such innovations as a learning process and result explore how this program based on an action learning project to focus how students’ routine can change meaningfully and “independent happiness” (from working for the benefit of others) with SEP as an approach to innovation. Such action of innovation is a crucial process for integrating spirituality into education to foster a greater understanding of our interconnectedness with the others and the planet.