THE OPERATION OF BUDDHIST ORIENTED SCHOOLS TO BECOME A LEADING BUDDHIST SCHOOL UNDER SONGKHLA PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE 1

Abstract

         The objectives of the study were 1) to study the operation of Buddhist Oriented Schools to be the leading Buddhist Oriented Schools under the Songkhla Primary Education Service Area Office 1, 2) to compare the operation of Buddhist Oriented Schools to be the leading Buddhist Oriented School whether effects of operation was accorded with criteria, and 3) to propose a guideline for operational development of the Buddhist Oriented School to be the leading Buddhist Oriented School. The study was conducted using a mixed-method. The sample used in the study consisted of 117 school directors and teacher supervisors in Buddhist Oriented Schools. The research tool employed was a questionnaire with 0.909 reliability. The data were analyzed using a software package for social science research. The statistics used in the study included frequency, percentage and standard deviation 

                  Findings were as follows:

• Level of operation in Buddhist Oriented Schools by the school directors and teacher supervisors, overall, were high. When each aspect was separately measured, the highest average was found from the activities on Buddhist holy days followed by Buddhist oriented promotion whereas the lowest mean was in the physical aspect.


• Comparative results of operation of Buddhist Oriented Schools to be the leading Buddhist Oriented School and criteria for evaluation were; some schools did not pass the evaluation criteria (61.54%), with passed level 1 (5.13%), level 2 and level 4  (4.27%),  and passed level 5 ( 14.5 %).


• The guidelines proposed to promote the Buddhist Oriented School to be the leading Buddhist Oriented School were; there should be school physical improvement based on assessment criteria of Buddhist Oriented Schools, supporting teachers and students wearing white clothes, making merit, giving food, listening to sermons and having vegetarian food in lunchtime and chanting (Pali and Thai version). Besides, teachers should arrange learning activities with the integration of Buddhist oriented learning process with all learning groups headed by school administrators as a model for teachers and students in Five Precept observation. Before a meal, there should be food reflection with silence without spilling and remaining manner. There should also be support and encouragement in terms of positive class management without scolding students, appreciating the good actions performed by students in front of the flagpole every day. Schools should have a Dhamma teaching program taught by Buddhist monks regularly. Administrators should be a model for teachers and students to have a virtue notebook and there should be Dhamma study and students who pass the First Level every year.