Development of a Model for Enhancing Teachers’ Research Competencies to Leverage Educational Management Quality at Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the problems in enhancing teachers' research competencies at Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College, 2) develop and validate the quality of the model for enhancing teachers' research competencies at Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College, 3) implement the developed model, and 4) evaluate the effectiveness of the model. The target groups included 4 groups of the following participants.  1) 122 teachers of both vocational certificate and high vocational certificate levels at Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College selected through purposive sampling.  2) 26 school administrators and heads of academic departments selected through purposive sampling. 3) 15 academic staffs, university lecturers, school administrators, and executives of relevant agencies selected through purposive sampling. Finally, 4) 9 experts in research, administration, and teacher development selected through purposive sampling. The statistics used for data analysis included percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The study revealed that 1) teachers at Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College still lacked research skills particularly on data analysis, interpretation, and systematic research report writing. 2) The model for enhancing teachers' research competencies was developed based on the systematic theory covering inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and impacts along with the feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. The model employed the POLC (Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling) management principles to drive the implementation process efficiently and sustainably. 3) The model was piloted in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, accompanied by a user manual. 4) The model evaluation indicated the highest level of satisfaction particularly on the use of information technology for research purposes. Moreover, the consultation and mentoring components were highly rated, demonstrating that the model is effective and can significantly enhance the quality of educational management in a tangible and practical manner.