High School Students' Competency Development in Ecological Soil Conservation through Mentoring Program

Addressing soil degradation, this research examined the development process of undergraduate student mentors and their learning management process in ecological soil conservation. From purposive sampling, the study involved 65 participants, including mentors, mentees, a lecturer, teachers, and school administrators in Thailand. Data from the knowledge test, skill assessments, and reflection were analyzed using a dependent t-test, descriptive statistics, and content analysis. Based on the results, the mentors' pedagogical content knowledge had developed through reflections. The program significantly enhanced mentees' knowledge (x̄ = 6.89, S.D. = 0.75for the school with an agricultural major available; x̄=5.52, S.D. = 0.77 for the school with a home economics class available) at p < .05, including a high level of skills and bridging generational gaps. Globally, this mentoring program provides educators with a context-responsive strategy for implementing education for sustainable development among youth across Asia and other developing regions.