ความพร้อมของนักศึกษาและบุคลากรมหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีราชมงคลล้านนาในการเข้าสู่ประชาคมอาเซียน

Abstract

This study uses a mixed method which consists of quantitative and qualitative types of research. The purpose of the study is to examine the levels of the understanding of the concepts of ASEAN Community by the students of Vocational Certificate program, and to find the readiness of students and staff of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna for the integration of ASEAN Community, and also to further prepare them for the up-coming cooperation. The collecting of data is conducted with the use of questionnaires on 436 students. The collected data is then evaluated by using frequency distribution, finding the mean and percentage. From 15 staff, the data is collected by interviews, and then the data is analyzed. From the study, it is found that the majority of the subjects have an average level of basic understanding of the concepts of ASEAN Community, and they are ready to change their attitude and are prepared for new changes and social diversities. For the part of the institution, it is found that the administrators encourage the employment of foreign teachers for the benefit of students. ASEAN Community is a cooperation of Southeast Asian countries with the purpose to establish the region’s recognition on a global scale in terms of economy, politics, society, and culture that conform with the objectives of the Community’s and its three pillars. Furthermore, the Thai education systems should have a reformation on its policies and regulation in accordance with the 7-fields of free labor markets, in order to promote the development of economy and education especially in the fields of technology, agriculture, and industry. Additionally, the reformation of regulations and policies of the education systems would also prepare students in Thailand to have the required skills in order for them to enter employment in their fields of preferences. Similarly, the Vocational Certificate program in Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna emphasizes on both academic and professional or career learning processes with the hope that students will be able to utilize their knowledge and skills for competition in the labor market. Additionally, it is crucial that students of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna be enhanced with English communication skills for career opportunity in ASEAN community and further on the international levels. In regard to the preparation for the cooperation of ASEAN Community of the staff and students of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, it has been found that the majority of the subjects have agreed that the preparation should be explicit and practical. The University should promote activities, and the participation of students in the activities, related to the understanding of the concepts of ASEAN Community, which will in turn help them to compete and equip themselves with required skills; for instance, the administrators, lecturers, staff and students participate in the same activities or form collaboration that require them to develop skills in planning and decision-making, etc., which will benefit both the students and the institution in future.