Factors Influencing the Decision of High School Students in Khon Kaen City to Choose the Chinese Language for Communication Program at Northeastern University

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the factors influencing the decision-making process of high school students in grades 10-12 in Khon Kaen municipality to pursue studies in the Chinese Language for Communication program, 2) compare these factors among students in the same group based on personal variables, and 3) propose guidelines for improving the curriculum and instructional management of the Chinese Language for Communication program at Northeastern University.

The sample size was calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan method, resulting in a total of 360 participants. The research instrument was a questionnaire designed to evaluate factors influencing the decision to pursue a bachelor's degree in the Chinese Language for Communication program, utilizing a rating scale format. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, such as percentages, means (x̄), and standard deviations (S.D.), as well as inferential statistics, including independent t-tests and F-tests.

The findings reveal that most respondents rated the curriculum context factors as high, while factors related to teaching management, learning materials, and educational support were rated as moderate. When comparing personal factors, gender differences were found to have a statistically significant difference (P-value < 0.05), while other personal factors did not show significant differences. The proposed curriculum development for the Chinese Language for Communication program emphasizes creating a program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum context and effectively meets the demands of employers, thereby enhancing graduate employability.