Enhancement of Life Skills of Students in Higher Education Institutions with the Dhamma Studies Program

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) examine theoretical concepts related to life skills among university students; 2) study the Dhamma Studies curriculum at the higher education level; and 3) propose guidelines for enhancing university students’ life skills through the Dhamma Studies curriculum. A qualitative research methodology was employed using a field research approach. Data were collected through an analysis of primary and secondary documents, in-depth interviews with 32 purposively selected informants, and focus group discussions involving 10 participants. The data were analyzed and presented using descriptive-analytical methods.

The research found that:

1. Theoretical concepts of life skills among university students refer to internal characteristics or capabilities expressed through effective self-management, enabling students to live happily and adapt to the rapidly changing world. Key components include self-awareness skills, problem-solving skills, and cognitive skills.
2. The Dhamma Studies curriculum at the higher education level is a curriculum developed by the Thai Sangha for university students, aiming to promote lifelong learning and essential competencies for living in the 21st century. The courses emphasize the study of Buddhist principles and comprehensively support the development of students’ life skills.
3. Guidelines for enhancing students’ life skills through the Dhamma Studies curriculum consist of five key approaches, which require institutional policy support and a structured system for nurturing student life skills. The synthesized body of knowledge is presented as the “CBLHP Model,” comprising: C = Confidence: skills for developing self-confidence B = Behavior: skills for socially appropriate conduct L = Lesson Learning: skills for deriving life lessons H = Hermeneutics: skills in interpretation and communication P = Practice: skills for applying Buddhist principles in daily life.