Factors Influencing the Decision of Mattayomsuksa 3 Students to Pursue Their Study in Public Vocational Schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Trang, Krabi, and Suratthani Province

Abstract

This research aims to study factors influencing the decision of Mattayomsuksa 3 Students to continue their study in public vocational schools in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Trang, Krabi and Suratthani province. The sample consisted of 397 Mattayomsuksa 3 students (out of 46,972) in academic year 2011. Research instruments used questionnaire with 5 rating-scale  level. Data analysis was used to calculate  percentage and Chi-square. The results revealed that there were a statistically significant relationship at .05 level. Between students’ learning achievement and decision to continue vocational study. Students’ hometown, Government’s free education policy, tuition fees discounts and convenience of travelling back and forth had statistically significant relationships   at .01 level. With decision to continue vocational study. Factors related to education loans, scholarship opportunities, family pride, students’ relevant field of study, the demands of the labor market, school guidance and counseling, advertising and public relations, knowledge and ability of students’ field, adequate number of school personnel, student monitoring system and student activities promotion program had statistically significant relationships   at .001 level. With decision to continue vocational study. Factors of gender and free education privilege had no relationship with decision to continue vocational study. It is recommended that schools provide career training program and fields of study that best meet the demands of the labor market, assign knowledgeable and skillful institutes to teach, promote career development activities, tuition fees discounts or allow students to delay payment of tuition fees,  opportunities to get scholarships, transportation service  and increases studying opportunities  for students  .