Moral development of secondary school students in buddhist way of life schools (BWLS) : Case studies of schools in upper northern region (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Lampang)
Abstract:
This research aims to study the way the Buddhist Way of Life Schools (BWLS) operates, how moral character looks like, and important factors for moral development. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to study 9 BWLS. Simple random sampling was used to select 18 classes from Grade 9 and 12, total 500 students, 18 school directors and teachers. Three instruments were used: a questionnaire to evaluate school operations, an in-depth interview for directors and teachers and a self- evaluation form for students moral character. Research findings revealed that the students rated the success in school operations as high. Significant factors include teachers, schools operational plan, student- teacher relation, and Buddhist extra-curricular activities. The students moral character were evaluated as high. Nine factors conducive to positive formation of the students moral character namely, enabling environment, arrangement of Buddhist extra-curricular activities, learner-centered method of teaching, relevant curriculum for students ways of life, etc. Negative factors were students home environment, frequent changes of school directors, lack of integration of Buddhist education concepts in teaching, materialism, mass media influence and lack of parents co-operation. Three suggestions namely,
emphasis on factors which create a positive formation of the students moral character, formal and informal network of BWLS be established, and more coordination of the network.