The adaptation of colleges to thailand 4.0 policy: a case study of colleges under the vocational education commission in the eastern economic corridor area
Abstract:
This research is a qualitative research. The purposes of this study were to
1. investigate the adaptation of colleges under the Vocational Education Commission in the
Eastern Economic Corridor Area toward Thailand 4.0 Policy. 2. examine the suggestions and
adaptation guidelines of colleges toward Thailand 4.0 Policy. The data was collected from 27 key
informants including 9 administrative directors, and 18 operative directors of 9 vocational college
in Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong In-depth interview was employed to gather the data.
The study found that all colleges are ready to adapt themselves toward Thailand 4.0
Policy and Eastern Economic Corridor Area. They had operations in response to policy that has
been ordered from its affiliation as follows : 1. mission and work structure adjustment
2. adjustment of the strategic plan, policy, curriculum, teaching and learning, implementation
guidelines, projects, and activities 3. personnel development by enhancing knowledge and
understanding, creating participation, and providing specialized training. All colleges recognized
the importance and benefits that can be gained from adapting to the policy. However, such
operations were subjected to contextual limitations and the potential of each colleges that is
different in terms of budget including the availability of resources for management. These
resulted in different achievement and operational efficiency.
The research suggested that the related agencies should focus on the contextual
differences of educational institution. The policy should be clear and concrete that meets each
college needs. These will encourage educational institutions to be able to adapt themselves with
similar operational standards to develop personnel of the country to have attributes that are
consistent with Thailand 4.0 Policy.