The Development of a Community Participation Model for Organizing Lifelong Education by Educational Institutions: A Participatory Action Research

Chittwadee Thongtua,Wirathep Pathumcharoenwatthana, Noppamonton Sibmuenpiam 

Chulalongkorn University

Journal of Education Studies Volume 42 Issue 0 Special Issue  (1-1-2014) 

Nutthakarn Onsawai

 143400 Seminar On Dissertation

Community participation in education is recognized as a valuable approach to enhance educational outcomes and foster a sense of engagement within communities. Lifelong education refers to learning opportunities that extend beyond formal schooling and encompass various stages of life. It is important to understand the conditions, factors, and models that facilitate community participation in lifelong education management to create an inclusive and effective educational environment.

The research have been motivated by the need to explore and identify the factors and conditions that influence community participation, as well as to develop a model that can guide educational institutions in promoting community involvement.

1.Research Objective

The research aims to accomplish three main objectives. 

1. To study the contexts and factors of community participation education management in educational institutions. 

2. To compare contexts and factors of community participation education in educational institutions. 

3. To develop a model of community participation in lifelong community education in educational institutions. 

◦Firstly, it intends to examine the conditions and factors associated with community participation in the management of lifelong education within local educational institutions. 

◦Secondly, it seeks to compare the factors influencing community participation in lifelong education across different educational institutions. 

◦Lastly, the research aims to develop a model of community participation for lifelong education within educational institutions using a participatory action research approach.

2. Research Questions and Type of research

Research question : "What are the conditions, factors, and model of community participation for lifelong education management in educational institutions?"

Type of research : A mixed methods research design involves combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. 

The target population for the study was selected through purposive sampling, consisting of 1,846 individuals from reputable schools in sub-districts that were part of a project initiated by the OBEC (Office of the Basic Education Commission) in 2010.

◦Additionally, 25 individuals from one of these schools were chosen to participate in the participatory action research (PAR) process. 

◦The research employed various data collection instruments, including questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. 

◦Computer programs and content analysis were used to analyze the collected data.

3. The research methodology

A mixed methods research design involves combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. 

Phase	Step	Description
Phase 1	Theoretical framework design
	1.1 Documentation	Collect information from documents, textbooks, and related materials on community participation, lifelong education, etc.
	1.2 Research design	Formulate a research design based on the theoretical framework
	1.3 Presentation to experts	Present the research design to experts for evaluation and feedback
	1.4 Adjustment and revision of research design	Revise and modify the research design based on the suggestions and feedback provided by the experts
Phase 2	Review of the contexts and factors related to community participation in lifelong education management
	2.1 Research instrument development	Develop 1-5 rating scale questionnaires with an open-ended format.
	2.2 Revision of questionnaires	Supervisor and experts review and assess the questionnaires for content validity, completion, and inclusiveness.
	2.3 Pilot study	Conduct a pilot study with 30 pilot schools to investigate comprehensive questions and answers.
	2.4 Data collection	Administer questionnaires at a high standard school in a sub-district containing one of the project schools (182 schools). Collect information on community contexts and factors related to community participation in lifelong education management. Subjects include school administrators, subject head teachers, parental representatives, alumni representatives, scholars, community leaders, occupational group representatives, and voluntary groups from the community.
	2.5 Data analysis	Perform data analysis using computer programs to calculate frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation (S.D.). For closed-ended questions, qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis, conceptualization, and induction analysis to sort data into categories and draw conclusions.
Phase 3	Analysis of results and design of the model
	3.1 Analysis of results from Phase 2	Analyze the data obtained from Phase 2, which includes information on community participation in lifelong educational management. Compare the factors of community participation among different types of educational institutions (primary schools, basic educational opportunity expansion schools, and secondary schools).
	3.2 Designing the model of community participation	Based on the analysis results, design a model of community participation in lifelong educational management. This model incorporates the identified factors and provides a framework for promoting effective community involvement in educational institutions.
Phase 4	Development and evaluation of the model using PAR
	4.1 Development of the model	Refine and further develop the model of community participation in lifelong educational management based on the findings from Phase 3.
	4.2 Evaluation of the model with Participatory Action Research (PAR)	Engage stakeholders, such as educators, community members, and relevant individuals, in the evaluation process using Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology. Present and discuss the model with the participants, gathering their feedback and suggestions. Assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and practicality of the model in promoting community participation in lifelong educational management. Revise and improve the model based on the feedback received.

4. The strength and weakness of the research

Strengths:

1. Comprehensive approach: The research employs a comprehensive approach by considering various       aspects of community participation in lifelong education management. It examines conditions, factors, and develops a model, providing a holistic understanding of the topic.

2. Participatory Action Research (PAR): The use of PAR methodology is a strength as it actively involves stakeholders, such as educators and community members, in the research process. This participatory approach can enhance the relevance and applicability of the research findings.

3. Mixed methods approach: The research utilizes a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the research topic by capturing both numerical data and rich contextual information.

Weaknesses:

1. Limited Context: The research focuses on a specific context and sample, which may limit the generalize of the findings. The findings may be applicable primarily to the studied educational institutions and may not be representative of other settings.

2. Lack of external validation: It does not mention external validation or verification of the research findings. External validation through independent review of the study's results could enhance the reliability and credibility of the findings.

3. Potential bias in sampling: The use of purposive sampling may introduce bias in the selection of participants. It is essential to acknowledge and address any potential biases to ensure the research findings accurately reflect the perspectives of the broader community.

6.What we have learnt from this research?

From findings..

The developed model of community participation for lifelong education within educational institutions consisted of four components: 

a)Basic conditions for community participation, which encompassed educational organizers, target groups, knowledge provision, learning activity methodology, learning materials, educational objectives, community learning resources, and the benefits received by the community from their participation. 

b)Processes involved in community participation, including engagement in studying community-based information, brainstorming, planning, management, receiving benefits, and evaluating education management. 

c)Factors influencing the participation of educational institutions and the local community. 

d) Management of lifelong education within the educational institution.

Overall, this research highlights 

◦The significance of community participation in lifelong education management, 

◦Identifies factors that influence participation, and 

◦Provides a model to guide institutions in fostering community engagement. 

It emphasizes the value of participatory research approaches in addressing complex educational challenges and promoting inclusive decision-making processes.