Educational Administration Challenges and Strategic Responses in Rural Northeast Thailand: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Resource Management, Teacher Retention, and Community Engagement in Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothon, and Mukdahan Provinces
Keywords:
educational administration, Northeast Thailand, mixed methods, resource management, teacher retention, community engagement, rural educationAbstract
Background: Northeast Thailand (Isan) faces persistent educational disparities due to socioeconomic challenges, cultural diversity, and geographic isolation. Educational administrators in this region encounter unique obstacles in resource allocation, teacher recruitment, and community engagement that significantly impact educational outcomes.
Purpose: This mixed methods study examines the key challenges facing educational administrators in four northeastern provinces and evaluates the effectiveness of current administrative strategies in addressing these challenges.
Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from 485 educational administrators across Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothon, and Mukdahan provinces with qualitative insights from 48 in-depth interviews. Data collection occurred between March and August 2022. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Quantitative findings revealed that 78.4% of administrators identified resource limitations as the primary challenge (M = 4.12, SD = 0.89), followed by teacher shortages (72.6%, M = 3.98, SD = 0.76). Multiple regression analysis showed that community engagement strategies significantly predicted improved educational outcomes (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis identified five major themes: systemic resource inequity, cultural-linguistic barriers, migration impacts, decentralization challenges, and technology integration opportunities.
Conclusions: The study reveals significant systemic challenges requiring multi-level interventions. Successful administrative strategies emphasize community partnerships, localized governance, and technology integration. Policy recommendations include targeted funding mechanisms, enhanced teacher incentive programs, and strengthened school-community collaboration frameworks.
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