Abstract:
The objectives of research were: 1) To develop self-directed learning model for community college students in Thailand by lesson study and 2) To study the learning achievements, self-directed learning abilities, and satisfaction level of community college students who applied self-directed learning model. The population of this study was Administrators, teachers and students of 20 community colleges located throughout the country. The samples who provided information for model designing were 8 groups of teachers and students from 8 community colleges. The samples who tested the designed model were 5 groups of 2 teachers and 9-17. The students from 3 community colleges. Research Tools including; 1) Learning achievement assessment form 2) Self-directed learning assessment form 3) Student satisfaction questionnaire towards self-directed learning model. The reliability value of all tools was consequently calculated and confirmed more than 0.80 Research Methodology; 1) Reviewing relevant research and studying the current instructional context of community colleges by using focus group method. 2) Analyzing and summarizing the current instructional problems of community colleges in Thailand. Then, the self-directed learning model for community colleges was synthesized. 3) Verifying and revising the model with focus group method. 4) Testing the learning model on 4 small sample groups of students. 5) Testing the learning model on 3 groups of students in regular classroom. Results of the study; 1) Self-directed learning model for community college students in Thailand shown in Figure 1 2) When comparing the pre and post learning achievements of the 4 small groups of students whose disturbing factors were controlled and the 3 groups of students studying in regular classroom throughout a semester, it was found that the post learning achievements of all groups were higher than the pre learning achievements at a statistical significance level of 0.05. 3) Considering the comparative assessment of self-directed learning abilities, it was found that self-directed learning abilities of each student in the 4 small groups whose disturbing factors were controlled and the 3 groups studying in regular classroom and schedule throughout a semester increased at a statistical significance level of 0.05. 4) As for the satisfaction survey, it was found that the satisfaction level of students was high to highest ( ; ). 5) Learning behaviors of each student were different from before such as interest and enthusiasm about learning, self-directed learning with objective-oriented, meticulousness and dedication to assigned tasks, acquiring wide and deep knowledge, cooperative learning in groups, and others. Besides, it could be seen clearly that more desirable characteristics had been developed including discipline, responsibility, knowledge seeking/ analyzing/ summarizing skills, writing skills, presentation skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking skills. The conclusion from the research showed that Self-Directed Learning was very suitable with Community College. Especially, students have knowledge and experience because they were adult and responsibility. Students need to learn in important topics but teachers and students must understand in concept of Self-Directed Learning. At the first phase maybe found problems because learning style very difference from the past.