The Effectiveness of the Cooperative Education Performances of the Students of the Bachelor of Public Administration Program (Public Management) at Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus

Abstract

    Cooperative education is an educational management approach that integrates learning and work to provide students with real-life experience outside of the classroom in order to enhance their potential to become high-quality graduates who meet the needs of the labor market. To achieve this goal, this quatitative research were conducted to: 1) examine the effectiveness level of the cooperative education performances of the students of the Bachelor of Public Administration Program (Public Management) at Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus; 2) compare the effectiveness levels of the cooperative education performances of students working in different types of agencies; and 3) develop guidelines for developing the potential of students of the program in response to market needs. Target group used purposive sampling including the 78 staff were assigned by agencies to supervise students of the program during their cooperative education internship in the academic year 2022. The content validity was reviewed by 3 experts. The questionnaire provided the reliability coefficient of 0.85 upon analysis and collected data via email. With the 100 percent return of the questionnaire’s copies, the statistic was analyzed to find the mean and standard deviation, frequency, percentage and content analysis was also conducted from suggestions through grouping and sorting by the aspect. The results were discovered: 1) the effectiveness of the students’ overall cooperative education performances was at a level higher than the standard (µ=4.68, =0.832); 2) students working in government agencies (µ=4.71, =0.375) had a higher effectiveness level of the cooperative education performances than those working in private agencies (µ=4.55, =0.395); and 3) the four guidelines for developing students' potential, firstly, focused on personal characteristics of 36.36%. This involves improving discipline, punctuality, and adherence to organizational culture rigorously. Secondly, work success comprised 25.00%, achieved through meticulous work, self-review of tasks, and efficiency. Thirdly, knowledge and abilities were 22.73%, emphasizing digital skill development. Lastly, responsibility towards duties were 15.91%, achieved through proactive work and creative thinking. Consequently, these guidelines are crucial and significant for the curriculum of cooperative education in public administration studies, preparing students effectively and efficiently for entry into the workforce.