ANALYSIS AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION FOR PROMOTING LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL IN NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze and derive lessons from the management practices of lower secondary schools in promoting students life and career skills, using a multiple case study approach. Four schools recognized for their good practices were selected: Ban Thung Kruat School, Wat Chandi School, Wat Bot School, and Wat Phra Mahathat School. Key informants from each school included one school administrator, three teacher representatives, and five student representatives, selected through purposive sampling. The primary research instrument was an in-depth interview protocol. Data were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings revealed that effective school management in promoting students life and career skills involved: 1) Policies or strategies for developing such skills, 2) School-led programs or activities, 3) Operational processes or implementation methods, and 4) Key contributing factors to success. It was found that: 1) Strengths identified included students' teamwork skills, self-development attitudes, and active participation in school activities; staff unity and responsibility; systematic school management; and diverse curricula aligned with students' needs and local contexts. 2) Weaknesses included the relatively low entry-level quality of students, negative perceptions toward manual labor careers, heavy teacher workloads, and inadequate learning facilities. 3) Opportunities were seen in the strong support from partner networks and access to modern technologies. and 4) Threats Parents and the community still face economic constraints and multicultural differences. The parent agency has many policies that change frequently.