BEST PRACTICES FOR BECOMING A LEARNING ORGANIZATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the current conditions regarding the factors contributing to becoming a learning organization in secondary schools, and 2) develop best practice guidelines for establishing a learning organization in secondary schools. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The key informants, selected by purposive criterion-based sampling, were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 consisted of 9 official teachers who participated in a observation and an opinion interview; Group 2 included 3 school administrators and 3 government teachers who took part in an in-depth interview; and Group 3 comprised 6 school administrators and 6 official teachers who engaged in a focus group discussion. The research instruments were a observation form, a non-structured interview form, an in-depth interview form, and a focus group record form. Data were analyzed by content analysis.

The research results were as follows: 1) Regarding the current conditions of secondary schools for becoming a learning organization, for team Learning, school administrators adhere to principles of participation and experience sharing, while teachers collaborate effectively as a team. For shared vision, there is a collective policy aimed at improving the quality of education in small schools. For systematic thinking, the school administration follows the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) process to ensure operational standards in line with the school’s management scopes and missions. For knowledgeable individuals, teachers are supported to continuously develop their teaching and learning management skills, with a focus on learner-centered learning through active learning methods. For shared thinking framework, school administrators, teachers, and students serve as role models for success and set a good example to be followed in their work practices. 2) Regarding best practices for becoming a learning organization of secondary schools consists of 2.1) develop strategies and plans with participation, 2.2) strengthen networks with parents, organizations, and communities 2.3) manage with principles of good governance, 2.4) work and exchange ideas together, 2.5) Adopt the royal educational policies of King Rama X, 2.6) promote a safe environment in the school, 2.7) enhance the quality of education, 2.8) foster happiness within the organization, 2.9) encourage freedom of thought, 2.10) plan with the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) process, 2.11) operate systematically according to secondary school management standards, 2.12) exhibit academic leadership, 2.13) implement proactive learning management, 2.14) promote excellent innovation, 2.15) continuously develop oneself, 2.16) have role models for learning, 2.17) create a development plan aligned with the vision, mission, goals, and clear policies, and 2.18) establish a framework for operations. The results of validating the best practices in secondary schools in Ratchaburi Province for becoming a learning organization revealed that the practices are accurate, appropriate, feasible, and beneficial.