Expectations of First-Year Students Regarding the Teaching and Learning Management at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University

Abstract

This research aims to: (1) study the expectations of first-year students toward the teaching and learning management at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University, and (2) propose recommendations for improving instructional management to meet students' needs. This is a quantitative research study. The sample consisted of 325 first-year students in the academic year 2024, selected using stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire, validated for content accuracy by experts, with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s Alpha) of 0.906. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, along with hypothesis testing using t-tests and One-way ANOVA/ LSD Post. The results revealed that students’ overall expectations toward teaching and learning management were at the “highest” level (Mean = 4.43). The highest expectation was in the aspect of instructors (Mean = 4.60), followed by curriculum and course content (Mean = 4.47), teaching and learning processes (Mean = 4.37), learning support facilities (Mean = 4.37), and student development (Mean = 4.33), all of which were at the “highest” level. The recommendations from the study include promoting instructors’ skills in academic advising and knowledge transfer, improving the curriculum to align with external standards, supporting the development of English language proficiency, and enhancing technological facilities to better support effective learning.