Abstract:
Purposes of the study: 1. To study the status and problems of the Buddhist Sunday Schools in Bangkok Metropolis. 2. To study suggestions and solutions to the problems of the Buddhist Sunday Schools as given by teachers and students. Procedures: The following procedures were employed in this research: 1. Documentary research : Information concerning status and problems of the Buddhist Sunday Schools were collected from documents regulations proceedings, curriculums articles from various journals, and other related research works. Data collected were analyzed and findings were then presented in a descriptive analysis. 2. Survey research: the researcher constructed questionnaires, using them to gather information concerning the status and problems of the Buddhist Sunday School as viewed by its teachers and students. These samples were filled out by 290 teachers and 360 pupils. The collected data were then complied and analyzed : percentages, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation were calculated from the results. Research Findings: 1. The status of the Buddhist Sunday Schools: 1.1 Most schools, when asked, stated their precise administrative and procedural processes. They exhibited a satisfying cooperation between school authorities and officers. Most of the schools received financial support from Bureau of Religion and from faithful donors. The biggest school expenditures included teaching tools, and the cost of annual celebrations of commencement. The study indicated that building sizes for the schools were adequate, in terms of square feel per student. However, they showed a need for more learning instruments. The biggest services offered to students were prizes and awards (including scholarships) on different occasions. A large number of the schools studied often developed their activities by taking students examination results into consideration as well as using suggestion gained from workshops or conferences, and opinions of parents and others. 1.2 The Buddhist Sunday Schools in Bangkok Metropolis under the Bureau of religion still follow the ordinal curriculum issued by the bureau, which teachers consider up-to-date. As for teaching, lecturing is the most popular method chosen by instructors. Studying and teaching were focused on practice. Nevertheless, students applied little of the knowledge received in the classrooms to their daily life. As for the students, their favorite subject was History of Buddhism. They regarded it as a profitable subject that could be well applicable to the daily life. For religious practice students pray daily and extend their brotherhood to everyone. Non-material benefits that the students received from the Buddhist Sunday Schools could be lised as:responsibility, kindness, and gratitude. 1.3 When there were activities, teachers and student committees worked hand-in-hand. School activities were divided into three categories: Buddhist Day activities, Official holiday activities, and donation-producing activities. 1.4 As the schools were supported by churches, Monk Group, Bureau of Religion and patrons, there have been some difficulties in school-government sector relation. Involvement of parents and the alumni in the school programs is still unsatisfying. The schools need fund for school programs, education, public relation, and in providing proper counseling for the students. 2. Majority of the problems in the Buddhist Sunday Schools: 2.1 The students lack of interest and enthusiasm hinders the schools success in applying knowledge to real practice outside the class. 2.3 The schools lack educational aids for conducting many school activities. 2.4 The public does not acknowledge the importance or the benefit of studying in these schools. Thus, majority of the community neither participates in the activities of the schools, nor pays interest to their doings. 2.5 The related government sectors do not sincerely help the schools in their areas of need.