กรณีศึกษาหลักสูตรการฝึกครูโยคะในอาศรมประเทศอินเดีย CASE STUDY OF A YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE IN INDIAN ASHRAM

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the structure of yoga teacher training course (TTC), knowledge and experiences that participants gained and factors that influenced on learning.Methods: Participants were 25 out of 30 yoga practitioners who enrolled for a TTC at the Ashram, India. They were 21 females and 4 males from 20 countries ranging of ages between 20 – 66 years old. Their education backgrounds varied from high school diplomas to doctoral degrees and most of them communicated in English very fluently. Data were collected through participant observation, interview, and document analysis. Trustworthiness was established using triangulation.Results: Findings indicated 3 themes. Firstly, (1) structure of the course included (1.1) 264 hours of Ashram-stay course which arranged 6 days for learning and one day off for 28 days or 4 weeks. (1.2) Course fee was appropriated, about 1,000 US dollars. Secondly, (2) acquiring knowledge and experiences included 4 categories. Those were (2.1) learning theory and practice of yoga skills, (2.2) training of teaching skills, (2.3) examination, and (2.4) training yogic life style which included (2.4.1) training to control their sensations, (2.4.2) practicing to eat healthy food, (2.4.3) training yoga Nidra, and (2.4.4) practicing of Karma yoga or doing volunteer tasks. Lastly, factors influencing learning included 4 categories. They were (3.1) enough text books, (3.2) suitable facilities and equipment, (3.3) proper numbers of students and (3.4) frequently change of class schedules.Conclusion: In summary, participants who registered and stayed in the Ashram would gain similar knowledge as learners who travelling every day, but they gained Ashram life style or yogic life style which emphasized holistic health approach. These valuable experiences can be applied or carried over practitioners’ lives. Therefore, TTC in the Indian Ashram has continued to attract yoga teachers from all over the world as they came from several countries.