The Development of a Short-Course Curriculum Model of Innovative Research for Graduate Students, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University

Abstract

The present study had three main objectives 1) to analyze the needs and develop a curriculum model, 2) to assess the achievement of the expected learning outcomes, and 3) to evaluate the students’ competencies. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of four groups: experts, stakeholders, graduate students, and program chairs together with thesis advisors. The research instrument was a questionnaire, which was analyzed for content validity using an index of item-objective congruence (IOC), and the results were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. The results of the study revealed that the curriculum needed to cover four main dimensions: entrepreneurial and innovation fundamentals, planning and marketing, innovation development and presentation, and intellectual property and quality management. The assessment of students’ achievement of expected learning outcomes showed that the average score was 4.68 out of 5 (good level). The strength was in the area of health entrepreneurship concepts (4.88 points). The program chair’s evaluation indicated an average score of 4.55 out of 5 (good level), with a strength in innovation-driven research and presentation techniques (5.00 points). The evaluation of students’ competencies by thesis advisors showed an average score of 4.29 out of 5 (good level). The curriculum proved effective in developing communication and presentation skills, while students showed strong progress in research ability, the use of new technologies, and entrepreneurial skills. In conclusion, the study was successful in developing an effective curriculum that met the needs and expectations of stakeholders, and fully and sustainably enhanced graduate students’ innovative research skills.