Reasons Related to the Decision to Study for a Bachelor’s Degree in the Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham Universit

Abstract

This study of reasons related to, and the demand to study for, a Bachelor’s degree
is important in providing information for use in modifying plans for the administration of
enrolling students for study. Therefore, this research aims to study the reasons related to,
and the demand to study for, a Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Education,
Mahasarakham University and other universities in the northeast of Thailand. A sample group
of 1,824 students was divided into 2 groups as follows: the first group was 1,624 Grade 12
students in the Northeast from 54 schools in 9 provinces in school year 2012. These
students were chosen using Stratified Random Sampling. The second group was 200 firstyear students in the Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University. Two types of tools
were used in the gathering of information. The first tools were rating scale questionnaires
having 5 levels–the first questionnaire contained 56 items for students in Grade 12, and the
second questionnaire contained 56 items for first-year students at the university. The second
tool was a structured interview, which was used for interviewing students in grade 12 and for
interviewing first-year students at the university. The statistics used were percentage, mean,
standard deviation and descriptive analysis.
The results of the study were as follows:
1. Most students in the sample group wanted to study for a Bachelor’s degree
(79.19%) with most wanting to attend Khon Kaen University (46.87%). The second highest
percentage was for Mahasarakham University (18.84%), and the third highest was for 12
Rajabhat Universities in the Northeast (11.45%).
2. Students in the sample group who wanted to attend the Faculty of
Education, Mahasarakham University gave the following reasons:
2.1 Reasons related to deciding to continue their education in this faculty
were at a high level as a whole ( X = 3.78). The top three were the image/reputation of the
institution ( X = 4.12), popularity ( X = 4.10) and benefits gained ( X = 4.06). Apart from this,
distance from the student’s residence had an effect on choosing to study in this faculty
(50.57%).
2.2 The top 3 subject areas that were chosen were English language, Science
in Early Childhood Education, and General Science.
3. The majority of students in the sample group intended to continue their
education in the Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University, which meets their needs
(83.00%).
4. Students in the sample group that wanted to attend the Faculty of Education,
Mahasarakham University, gave the following reasons:
4.1 Reasons related to deciding to continue education in this faculty were at
a high level as a whole ( X = 3.79). The top three were the image/reputation of the
institution ( X = 4.38), benefits gained ( X = 4.07) and popularity ( X = 4.02). Apart from this,
distance from the student’s residence had an effect on choosing to study in this faculty
(59.50%).
4.2 The top 3 subject areas that were chosen were English language, Thai
language, and Mathematics.
5. The results of interviewing 80 Grade 12 students and 10 first-year university
students show common agreement as follows:
5.1 There was motivation to study for a Bachelor’s degree because of the
need for a solid career with a good future, the need for new knowledge, and because of
advice given by relatives. Apart from this, some students in the sample group wanted to
study near their residences because it reduces costs, and because their parents would not
allow them to study at an institution that was too distant.
5.2 Reasons related to deciding to continue education in this faculty were
that it is a famous faculty with a teaching staff and personnel that has potential, and
teaching materials that are ready for use. Aside from this, there was advice from parents,
teachers, and seniors who have already experienced success there.
5.3 With reference to taking up teaching as a career, the sample group were
of the opinion that it is a solid career that gives benefits and various types of welfare both
while working and after retirement, that receives praise and honour in society, and that
there is a shortage of teachers in some subject areas.
5.4 Units of credit and various fees are at a reasonable rate and student loans
are available to ease the financial burden on parents.