Participatory Education and The Provincial Driving Mechanics in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the concept of participatory education and the mechanisms for its implementation at the provincial level. The research employed a qualitative design, utilizing documentary analysis as the primary method. The research findings indicate that participatory education management is a process in which individuals or groups of stakeholders come together to support educational management and learning at institutional, local, provincial, and national levels. This is achieved through promoting, advising, and enhancing the quality of educational provision in areas such as planning, implementation, and monitoring of policies and action plans at both local and national levels. The forms of participatory education vary according to contextual conditions, including assemblies, councils, alliances, networks, groups, and committees, as well as area-based education, which have been established to support this trend. Nevertheless, challenges emerge in operational practice. To address these, the Office of the Education Council has proposed the “Five Collaborative Principles: Thinking, Learning, Acting, Evaluating, and Taking Responsibility Together.” and a provincial-level mechanism of self-managed provinces. This approach emphasizes state-led operations in conjunction with local network management and the coordination of educational resources. It involves a body of stakeholders who promote, support, assist, advise, and collaborate in the management of education at both institutional and provincial levels. The results of this study provide recommendations for applying the provincial participatory learning management model in strategic planning, academic development, coordination, and the management of educational resources.