Evaluation of Graduates’ Quality of Doctor of Optometry Program Based on Thailand Qualification Framework for Higher Education

Abstract

The purposeof this study was toevaluatethe qualityof graduatesofRamkhamhaeng Optometric Program, the first optometric curriculum in Thailand, based on the Thailand qualification framework for higher education. The sample of this study consisted of 160 teachingstaff, students,and graduates inacademicyear2014-2015,and graduates’employers. The instrument used to collect data was a graduate quality assessment in 5 dimensions according to the Thailand qualification framework for higher Education; (1) the ethical and moral (2) theeducational knowledge(3) thecognitiveskills (4) theinterpersonal relationship and responsibilities and (5) the numerical analysis and information technology skills. The questionnaire was examined in content validity by research experts. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. The research findings indicated that the students and graduates chose this program primarily because they want to work in this area and it is what their parents want. The graduates’ employers decided to hire the graduates based on program and institution. Theanalysisof students’ learningoutcomes indicated that they were conformed to the objectives of the curriculum and social needs at highest level. Theoverall qualityof the graduates was at high level. The graduates evaluated themselves withhighest scoreinarea (5) and withthelowest level inarea (2). Theemployersevaluated the graduates with the highest scores in area (1) and (2), and with lowest score in area (4). When both evaluations were compared, it revealed that the difference between the two evaluations were statistically significant in area (1), (2) and (3).