Creative Management of Small Primary Schools
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Abstract
This research article aims to present the concept of creative school administration in small-sized primary schools, whose numbers have been continuously increasing within the context of Thailand’s educational management system. Most small-sized primary schools face various constraints, including limited resources and budgets, shortages of teachers across grade levels, a lack of subject-specific expertise among teachers, as well as insufficient materials, equipment, technology, and modern learning media. These limitations significantly affect administrative efficiency and the quality of teaching and learning. School administration in such contexts therefore requires the application of creative management approaches to transform constraints into opportunities for development. This article reviews relevant concepts, theories, and research related to school administration, creative school administration, and the development of small-sized primary schools, along with an analysis of educational standards, in order to synthesize guidelines for developing schools into institutions that are pleasant, conducive to learning, and of high quality. The synthesis reveals that key components of creative school administration include shared vision and common goals; the creation of motivation and inspiration in the workplace; teamwork; participation of teachers, parents, communities, and educational networks; the provision of a learning-friendly atmosphere and environment; and the appropriate application of technology in accordance with the context of small-sized schools. Creative administration thus serves as an essential approach for enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of small-sized primary schools, enabling them to develop and grow in alignment with their true potential.
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