Guidelines for Implementing the Policy to Increase Vocational Student Enrollment in Educational Institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This study focuses on studying guidelines for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province. The objectives were 1) to study the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment, 2) to compare teachers’ opinions based on gender, education level, and work experience, and 3) examine approaches for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment of the educational institutions in the area. A mixed-methods research design was employed in two phases. Phase 1 involved examining and comparing the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment using the quantitative approach. The sample was 191 teachers from educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province, stratified random sampling based on institution size. The research instruments were a questionnaire with content validity, IOC values between .67-1.00, a reliability value of .949. The data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Least Significant Difference (LSD). Phase 2 involved investigating approaches for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment. A qualitative analysis was employed in this phase. The key informants consisted of five individuals: one vocational education director or deputy director, one supervisor from the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, one member of a vocational education institution committee, and two university lecturers. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview, and data were analyzed through content analysis.     Results revealed that 1) the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment by educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province was at a high level, both in overall and in each individual aspect. The highest mean frequency was in the aspect of policy standards and objectives, and the lowest mean was about policy resources. Results of 2) the comparative analysis of teachers’ opinions, classified by gender, educational level, and work experience, revealed overall statistically significant differences at the .01 and .05 levels. 3) Six approaches for implementing the policy are proposed as follows: 3.1) In the aspect of policy standards and objectives, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders should be clearly defined. The institution should develop operational manuals and continuously monitor progress using key performance indicators. 3.2) In terms of policy resources, there should be flexibly in planning and allocation of manpower. This could be done by reducing unnecessary workloads, and strengthening external partnerships to supplement limited resources. 3.3) With regards to inter-organizational communication and enforcement activities, consistent communication should be maintained through online tools and collaborative mechanisms with communities should be established to enhance operational efficiency. 3.4) Regarding the characteristics of agencies responsible for policy implementation, there should be a clear monitoring and evaluation system, regular progress reporting, and the designation of responsible personnel accompanied by a structured follow-up plan. 3.5) In terms of economic, social and political conditions, systematic collaboration with external agencies should be established, with clearly demonstrated outcomes and the provision of incentive-based benefits. 3.6) In terms of practitioners’ attitudes, goals should be communicated clearly, resources should be provided, participation opportunities should be created, and trust is promoted through monitoring systems and platforms for knowledge sharing.