Development of Appropriate Management Model for STEM Education in Thailand

Abstract

STEM Education is a learning approach integrating the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for solving real-world problems. The purposes of this research were to develop and evaluate the appropriate management model for STEM Education in Thailand. This research was conducted by three-stage procedures: 1) Synthesis of management model for STEM Education in USA, UK, Australia and Thailand; 2) Development of the appropriate management model for STEM Education in Thailand; and 3) Evaluation of the model. Thirty six experts, who had responsibilities in STEM management of various organizations in Thailand, were selected by using purposive sampling. The questionnaire about the appropriate management model for STEM Education in Thailand was used as the instrument of this research. The results of this research showed that the management model for STEM Education in Thailand and other countries were similar in both organization and school levels. However, this research found that Maryland State was different from the others since it had official STEM standards. The appropriate management model for STEM Education in Thailand was proposed and evaluated by the experts. The results of this study showed four significant findings: 1) Thailand should have STEM standards; 2) The Institute for Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology should be the key organization responsible for STEM education; 3) Both primary and second schools should offer STEM education as one of the additional subjects; and 4) Both key organization and schools should have responsibility for STEM education management.