The Future Scenario Design for Graduate Program in Social Studies at Thaksin University toward Development in Leading Social Innovation University

Abstract

Setting new university standards toward the goal of creating social innovation to drive national development requires stakeholders to systematically review their operational positions and expand the space to accommodate the design of new curricula that broadly meet the needs of educational partners in the service area. Therefore, this research aims to study the design of the future image of the graduate program in Social Studies at Thaksin University, aligning with the framework for developing the country's leading social innovation universities. This study employs a mixed-methods research approach, collecting data from a total sample of 510 people and 14 key informants, and analyzing the data using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and SWAT analysis. The research findings indicate that both internal and external stakeholders desire the program to be offered at a higher level (over 90%). The synthesis of the results leads to the conclusion that the Master of Education program in Integrated Social Studies and Social Innovation aligns with the philosophical concept of "Social Innovation & Integrative Knowledge." Its key feature is the integration of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) principles and Active Learning, combining research-based learning, place-based learning, and integrated learning. This reflects the goal of producing graduates capable of analyzing diverse perspectives in the social sciences while creating social education innovations that address contemporary contexts. Based on these findings, Thaksin University should support and develop the learning management mechanisms for this new innovative curriculum by establishing an academic network spanning the southern region and expanding nationally. This will prepare the university to become a leading social innovation university in the future.