A study of identities and meaning of education for development of academic space in Thai society: case studies of Thai students in GED preparation programs in Thailand
Abstract:
The objectives of this research are 1) to study the identities and academic space of Thai student in GED preparation programs in Thailand 2) to analyze the meaning of education by Thai students in GED preparation programs in Thailand 3) to present guidelines in developing academic space in Thai society according to the identities of and the meaning of education by Thai students in GED preparation program. The research consists of the field research, observation, the in-depth interview, the life history and focus groups in order to present the identities and meaning of education for the development of the academic space in Thai society Findings from research showed that 1. The identities of GED students are incorporating both inconsistency and flexibility as a result of the power of discourse and social space. These identities will be manifested through making negotiations and creating their own identities by means of proposing both the distinctive and collective identities at the same time. According to certain studies, GED students will give more importance on social values and internationalization. They prefer both expensive goods and services. In addition, they also have the different goals from those of the students from formal schools in terms of time, classes, and academic goals through the collective identities of being international, rich, quick, but happy-go-lucky students. 2. There is a strong correlation between the academic space of GED students and their identities. The academic space of GED students comprises both the physical space and the technology-based space. The academic space will have a direct impact on the learning behavior, the meaning of education, and the identities of GED students. GED students are not willing to share the same public space with the conventional students from formal schools, but they are willing to share this space with international students and high society consumers. 3. The identities of GED students and their academic space have a major impact on the meaning of education of GED students which includes the generation of the meaning of education, the conveyance of the meaning, and the interpretation of the meaning. The meaning of education of GED students means education for human development, education for careers, and education for aggrandizement. 4. The guideline of academic space is the creation of space on the concept of various identities which includes the technology-based space and the activity-based space. The purpose of this guideline is to engender 4 characteristics in GED students, that is, realizing the national Thai characteristics, paying more attention to social interaction, keeping up with media, and having consumer education. This can be attained by means of a website to give the knowledge that corresponds to the 4 characteristics mentioned. This website is the common space for sharing the information and activities of various sectors including public and business sectors, schools, family, and social authorities.