Guidelines for Promoting Social Intelligence of Preparatory Higher Education Students’ Kasetsart University Laboratory School, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Educational Research and Development Center

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the level of social intelligence and the level of factors affecting on the social intelligence; 2) to analyze the factors that affect on the social intelligence; and 3) to present guidelines for enhancing social intelligence of students at preparatory higher education institutions, including Kasetsart University laboratory school, Kamphaeng Saen campus, and the Educational Research and Development Center. The research design was a combined method of research. The sample consisted of 243 students at preparatory higher education institutions selected using multistage random sampling and 15 key informants who were purposively selected. There were 2 types of research tools: 1) questionnaires and 2) question guidelines. Quantitative data were analyzed using basic statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis, and a descriptive narrative was written. 

The results of this study were as follows: 1) Students at preparatory higher education had overall social intelligence at a high level, and the level of variables that affected social intelligence was all at a high level. 2) Factors affecting the social intelligence of students were found to be three variables, namely, coping problem style, learning adaptation, and the teaching and learning atmosphere, which could explain that the students' social intelligence was at 72.00 percent. 3) Guidelines for promoting students’ social intelligence consisted of 4 main important approaches which were that schools should organize activities that could (1) pay attention to people and surroundings, (2) develop communication skills, (3) promote students' acceptance of individual differences, and (4) encourage students to have empathy and sympathy for others.