GUIDELINES FOR ENHANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN IMPROVING STUDENTS' QUALITY IN SCHOOLS UNDER THE PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE 1

Abstract

This research aimed (1) to examine community participation in developing the quality of students in educational institutions, and (2) to propose guidelines for enhancing community participation in improving student quality.The research method consisted of two steps: Step 1: Studying community participation in the development of student quality. The sample included 176 educational institutions under the Office of the Primary Educational Service Area 1, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan's table, resulting in 121 institutions. Each institution provided two informants, totaling 242 participants. Informants consisted of school administrators and community representatives on the educational institution committee who were neither administrators nor teachers of schools under the Office of the Primary Educational Service Area 1. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using means and standard deviations.Step 2: Proposing guidelines for community participation.The sample consisted of seven experts selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview form, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Research findings revealed that:Overall, community participation in student quality development was at a high level. The highest mean score was found in participation in decision-making, followed by participation in monitoring and evaluation, while the lowest mean score was in participation in operations.Guidelines for enhancing community participation in student quality development were as follows:Decision-making: Educational institutions should strengthen community participation by establishing joint committees with representatives from various sectors, fostering mutual understanding between schools and communities, and utilizing the community as a learning resource.Monitoring and evaluation: Activities should be organized to exchange knowledge and present work outcomes, thereby obtaining valuable feedback from stakeholders to improve and refine practices.Planning: Clear mechanisms or working groups should be established.Operations: Good practice models should be developed within communities, with schools identifying and showcasing exemplary individuals.