GUIDELINES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BUDDHIST SCHOOLS UNDER THE OFFICE OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION COMMISSION (OPEC) CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to develop and validate guidelines for Buddhist Way of Education (BWE) management with three objectives: 1) To study BWE management problems faced by private general schools in Chiang Mai, encompassing aspects like unclear systems, limited personnel/time/media/motivation, unsupportive environments, lack of training, and weak community collaboration; 2) To explore excellent management practices from model schools that effectively integrate modern management principles (POLC) with Buddhist teachings, leading to students' comprehensive development in academics, morals, ethics, responsibility, and life skills; and 3) To develop and validate the suitability and feasibility of the formulated BWE management guidelines. This mixed-methods study comprised three phases: Phase 1 involved quantitative research with 80 stratified-randomly selected participants from 107, analyzed using descriptive statistics; Phase 2 utilized qualitative research with 105 participants and 6 target individuals from schools with best practices (through interviews and observations); and Phase 3 involved developing and validating guidelines with 5 purposively selected experts, each with over 5 years of relevant experience in educational or BWE management. Findings revealed that schools faced various problems as identified, while excellent schools successfully integrated management principles and Dharma, positively impacting students. The developed BWE management guidelines encompass 5 key areas: BWE school administration, integrating Buddhist ways into learning, developmental activities, personnel and character development, and fostering school-community relations. These guidelines were confirmed to be highly suitable and feasible.