Management Approaches to Enhance Students’ Happiness in Schools under the Samut Prakan Secondary Educational Service Area Office

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the management conditions of educational institutions that promote student happiness, 2) analyze variables affecting such management, and 3) propose management guidelines that promote student happiness in educational institutions under the Office of the Secondary Educational Service Area of Samut Prakan. A mixed-method research design was employed. Quantitative data was collected from 108 educational institution administrators via questionnaires, and qualitative data was collected from 5 key informants through in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, predictive regression, and inductive content analysis were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the management conditions promoting student happiness were at the highest level, covering four dimensions: ethical leadership of administrators, creating a positive institutional atmosphere, implementing the Happy 8 Model concept, and management practices that promote student happiness. The regression analysis indicated that variables related to mental health and emotional hardiness (H2), feeling valued and having a purpose in life (H9), and building positive relationships with others (H3) significantly influenced management practices promoting student happiness. The model explained 58.1% of the variance. The results are important for theory because they support the idea of educational management based on student well-being and show how important the Happy 8 Model is for promoting overall happiness. In terms of practical implications, the results can serve as guidelines for developing schools into thriving institutions and can be applied in various educational contexts to sustainably enhance students’ quality of life and well-being.