Abstract:
To 1) survey learning strategies among students in international program under the Commission on Higher Education 2) develop a model for learning strategy centers 3) introduce strategies for supporting international programs through learning strategy centers. Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) was used as an instrument in surveying the strategies used by students in international program. The purposive sample group was the first year students selected from institutions of higher education that have at least 5% of international students. The survey was based on 449 baccalaureate students from the following institutions: Assumption University, Mahidol University, Thammasart University, and Mission College. The research method applied in the development of the center were 1) data collected from a survey of learning strategies of students in international program, 2) a pilot study of the effect of the development of learning strategies on students, 3) the interview of the experts, and 4) the connoisseurship of the experts was organized to assess the model and strategies to support international program through learning strategy centers. The results of the study on the students in international program identified anxiety as strategy that needed most improvement. The strategies that should be improved were the following: information processing, selecting main idea and detail, test strategy, concentration, self-assessment, uses of resources, and time management. The strategies that need no improvements were attitude and motivation. There was a significant statistical difference in the learning strategies between Thai and international students at the .05 levels in the following strategies: selecting main idea and detail, testing, anxiety, uses of resources, and self-assessment. The development of learning strategy centers incorporated the improvements of strategies needed in order to enhance students with learning strategies. Thus, the model of learning strategy centers composed of 1) customers: first year students and those who have learning problem 2) services: the development of learning strategies, testing, and counseling 3) Administration and management: autonomous management to provide flexible management, structure and personnel, enough budget to manage and improve center, comfortable atmosphere, up to data equipments, and strategies to support international programs through learning strategies centers in order to prepared students in their adjustment and preparation at the baccalaureate level and be ready to serve in a more global setting. It is recommended that an effective center for learning strategies be organized in order to prepare students for services in a global context.