Guideline On Enhancing Desirable Characteristics of Secondary School Student Leaders in Surin Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to 1) study desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province; 2) to compare desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province classified by personal factors; 3) to investigate structural model of desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province; and 4) to provide guidelines to enhance desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 255 population consisted of 85 school directors, 85 leaders of school democracy promotion affairs, and 85 chairs of student councils at secondary schools under the Secondary School Area Office 33. Statistical analysis for this quantitative research included percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test, and confirmatory factor analysis.  The findings revealed that:

1. The overall desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province was found at a high level. A ranking of each aspect from the highest to the lowest showed the attitude, team working, student council, self-development, relationship, and work procedure respectively.
2. Genders of population insignificantly influenced opinions towards desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province on self-development, attitude, team working, relationship, student council, and work procedure. According to positions and school sizes, significantly differences were found at 0.05 level.
3. Structural model of desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province was fit to empirical data. Indicators weighing ranked from the highest to the lowest included relationship, team working, work procedure, attitude, student council, and self-development respectively.

           4. Guidelines to enhance desirable characteristics of secondary school student leaders in Surin province involved 1) the continuation of self-development should be supported of student leaders by providing training courses on leadership skills and the use of information technology and communication skills. 2) Positive attitudes, creative thinking, and volunteer spirit should be promoted and supported. 3) A clear working policy and open-mindedness should be encouraged for team working. 4) Good relationship with schools, outside agencies, parents and communities should be established. 5) The transparent election of student council should be promoted and supported in order to cultivate democratic knowledge and skills in operating the student council. 6) Training courses in working with the PDCA cycle should be provided for student leaders.