A LESSON-LEARNED-CASE STUDY OF ACTIVITIES AND MANAGEMENT PROCESS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AT THE BEST PRACTICE ELDERLY SCHOOL IN HUA FAI TEMPLE, PHAN DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

    This research aimed to study the activities and management processes to improve the quality of life at a best practice elderly school in Chiang Rai Province in order to recommend the educational management guidelines for other elderly schools in Chiang Rai. A qualitative approach was utilized with the following three phases: 1) Analyzed a yearly report of the educational management processes of the elderly school; 2) Used an in-depth interviews with 12 people at the elderly school, including school administrator, teachers, learners and the elderly club chairperson; and 3) Conducted  a focus group discussion with 8 representatives of the school consisting of 1 school administrator, 3 teachers, 3 students, and 1 elderly club chairperson. Data were analyzed by a content analysis method. The main findings showed that the organized activities used for life quality improvement of the elderly covered the following aspects: 1) Life activities, including mindfulness and concentration, comfortable activities, social work activities, and the welfare of the group of elderly; 2) Professional life, including income creation, career promotion, herbs and products; 3) Academic aspects, including intelligence, health, communication and professional environment. The administrative and management processes adhered to principles, process, and participation of the society power and community team. Finally, the staff effectively implemented the elderly school’s tasks associated with the contexts and goals of the school in terms of context, area, supporting staff, services equipment, activities and meditation.