THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES AT RAJABHAT UNIVERSITIES IN THE FUTURE

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the requirements for the administration of the social studies program in Rajabhat universities. The sample group comprised 353 executives, faculty members and students in the Social Studies Department, Faculty of Education of Rajabhat Universities in Northern Thailand. The research tools included a questionnaire concerning the requirements for the administration of the social studies program of Rajabhat Universities and a questionnaire concerning the social studies program of Rajabhat Universities in the future. The collected data were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation.

            The results revealed the requirements for the administration of the social studies program at Faculty of Education, Rajabhat Universities in the future as follows: 1) In terms of the program’s philosophy, students are required to be knowledgeable in the field of social studies, to be independent and ethical thinkers, to be respectful of social rules and laws, and to be good Thai and global citizens; 2) In terms of the program’s objectives, the program is required to develop quality learners in accordance with the standards of the Teachers Council of Thailand, Ministry of Education, which aim to produce learners to have the TPACK skills; 3) In terms of the program’s structure, the program is required to be flexible with courses that are important and relevant to the daily life and current world affairs in the 21^st century and that integrate technology and content in a systematic learning design (TPACK); 4) In terms of policy and facilities, the program requires sufficient budget, consistent government policy, a closed system for the production of teachers with a limited number of students, and incentives for good students to choose to study education; 5) In terms of program content, the program is required to follow the standard qualifications at the Bachelor's degree level (TQF.1) issued by the Office of the Higher Education Commission and to offer online courses; 6) In terms of instructors, the program requires instructors with the expertise in social studies and ability to conduct online classes; 7) In terms of students, the program requires a selection process that follows specified criteria and that comprises committee members from various sectors; and 8) In terms of teachers' professional training, the program requires quality workplaces for professional training and a quality administrative system for professional training.