THE DEVELOPMENT MODEL OF BUDDHIST IDENTITY FOR BUDDHIST UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TO INCREASE ROLE MODELS FOR SOCIETY

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) Study the status of Buddhist Identity among Buddhist university students, 2) Develop a model for developing Buddhist identity, 3) Implement the model, and 4) Evaluate the effectiveness of the model for developing Buddhist identity among Buddhist University students to increase role models for society. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) design combined with a Mixed Methods approach. The sample consisted of 249 alumni, 51 graduates and 86 current students. Key informants were alumni, graduate employers, and program teachers, all 30 individuals along with 10 experts. The samples and key informants were selected through convenience sampling, voluntary basis and purposive sampling, as appropriate for each phase of the research process. The essential instruments included the B.A.L.I. Model for Buddhist Identity Development, its implementation manual, questionnaires, interview forms and evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and content analysis. The research results showed that 1) Graduates possessed positive identity characteristics, particularly in discipline, unity, and public service mind. However, knowledge of Buddhist principles and missionary skills should be further developed alongside broader academic literacy, 2) The developed B.A.L.I. Model consisted of four components: Buddhist Literacy, Application of Dhamma, Leading for Information and Inspired Role Model, 3) The implementation results showed a statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores on Buddhist Literacy, while all four components were excellent overall, specifically, the “Inspired Role Model” component emerged as the most outstanding and achieved the highest rating, and 4) The B.A.L.I. Model was evaluated at the highest level, as it effectively transformed students from “Buddhist Scholars” into “Buddhist Role Models” within society.