Strategies for Developing the Competencies of Vocational Students in the 21st Century to Develop the Quality of Education at Song Phi Nong Vocational College, Suphan Buri Vocational Education Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate the fundamental information regarding the development of 21st century competencies among vocational education students, (2) develop strategies for competency development, (3) implement the developed strategies, and (4) evaluate the outcomes of the implemented strategies. The target group consisted of 73 participants, including administrators, teachers, educational personnel, and school board members, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments comprised questionnaires, interviews, expert-based conversation records, and strategy evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that: (1) the assessment of the suitability of components and indicators was at the highest level, while the current situation was rated at a moderate level and the desirable situation at the highest level. The prioritized needs were ranked as follows: creativity and innovation skills, career and lifelong learning skills, information technology application and digital ethics skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communication and collaboration skills. (2) The developed strategies, consisting of vision, mission, objectives, strategies, approaches, indicators, and projects, were evaluated at the highest level in terms of suitability and feasibility. (3) The implementation of the strategies was found to be at the highest level. (4) The evaluation of the strategies indicated that their usefulness and satisfaction levels were also at the highest level.