The Operational Guidelines for Internal Quality Assurance in Compliance with Educational Standards based on Ariyasacca IV of Soponkanaporn School under The Secondary Educational Service Area Office Nakhon Si Thammarat

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were to: 1) examine the operational conditions of internal quality assurance at Soponkanaporn School; 2) explore the operational guidelines for internal quality assurance in compliance with educational standards based on Ariyasacca IV for Soponkanaporn School; and 3) propose and evaluate the operational guidelines for internal quality assurance in compliance with educational standards based on Ariyasacca IV of Soponkanaporn School. A qualitative research design was employed across three phases: 1) the current conditions were examined through in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, purposively selected from stakeholders within Soponkanaporn School; 2) the operational guidelines were developed through in-depth interviews with 5 purposively selected relevant experts; and 3) the proposed guidelines were presented and evaluated through a focus group discussion with 7 purposively selected experts. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis.

            The findings were as follows: 1) Regarding the operational conditions of internal quality assurance, it was found that personnel lacked an in-depth understanding of educational standards. Goal setting was misaligned with the school context, and significant constraints, including excessive workloads, frequent policy changes, limited resources, and unsystematic data management, impeded the development of an effective internal quality assurance system; 2) Regarding the operational guidelines for internal quality assurance based on Ariyasacca IV, the findings revealed a seven-stage internal quality assurance process consisting of: (1) establishing educational standards; (2) developing an educational development plan; (3) implementing the plan; (4) evaluating and auditing educational quality; (5) monitoring and using results for improvement; (6) preparing the self-assessment report; (7) ensuring continuous quality development. The integration of Ariyasacca IV enhanced a systematic cause-and-effect process, enabling precise problem identification (Dukkha), identifying root causes (Samudaya), establishing clear goals (Nirodha), and determining operational guidelines (Magga), thereby contributing to the sustainability of the internal quality assurance system; 3) Regarding the presentation and evaluation of the proposed operational guidelines for internal quality assurance based on Ariyasacca IV, it was found that the experts reached a consensus that the guidelines were appropriate, feasible, and beneficial. Furthermore, applying Ariyasacca IV as an operational framework effectively connected planning, implementation, and improvement processes, and enhanced the efficiency of educational quality development in a concrete and sustainable manner.