Abstract:
The proposes of this research were to: 1. Explore the state of conducting research at the Faculty of Education, Burapha University, including policy, administration, resource allocation, amount of research, and ways of conducting research. 2. Analyze factors impinging upon research activities of faculty members; and 3. Propose ways to improve the research culture of this Faculty. In terms of research methodology, this study is a descriptive research. Data were collected through document and aggregate data analysis, questionnaire, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion. Findings are as follows: 1. In terms of the state of conducting research, while the Faculty attempts to provide a conducive research-oriented environment, less than 50% of them do research. Most of the researches are action research, done individually or among a small group of faculty members. The Faculty also confronts other problems, such as complicated financial procedures, lack of coherence and relevance among its research products, etc. However, the Faculty has a potential for becoming an institution with the research culture as it possesses many strengths, such as talent scholars who can serve as mentors, administrators who are committed to the research culture, adequate financial support, consistently organized research training. 2. This study also reports factors that enhance the research culture from the perspectives of research oriented and non-research oriented faculty members. Important factors for boosting the research culture include clear policy, reward system, and opportunities for publicizing research findings. 3. Finally, many approaches for improving the research culture are recommended ranging from changing the attitude of faculty members to administrative action.