Development of a Specific Vocational Certificate Curriculum (SVC) Aligned with the Needs of the Community and Ethnically Diverse Parents at Thongphaphum Industrial and Community College

Abstract

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) explore vocational training needs of the ethnically diverse community and parents in Thong Pha Phum District; 2) develop a Specific Vocational Certificate (SVC) curriculum aligned with those needs; and 3) evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the developed curriculum. A Research and Development (R&D) methodology integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. The sample comprised 300 parents and community members from five ethnic groups (Karen, Mon, Lao, Burmese, and local Thai) for quantitative data collection, 25 key informants for in-depth interviews, and three focus group discussions. Results revealed that overall vocational training needs were at a high level (x̄ = 4.32), with agricultural and food processing skills ranked highest (x̄ = 4.52). Nine SVC curricula were developed and validated by experts at an excellent level (mean IOC = 0.89). All curricula met the E1/E2 efficiency criterion (80/80), with mean E1 = 83.89% and mean E2 = 81.89%. Learners demonstrated statistically significant post-test improvements (p < .001), and stakeholders reported the highest level of satisfaction (x̄ = 4.51). Findings confirm that systematically developing vocational curricula based on multicultural community needs can create high-quality, community-responsive curricula that genuinely promote educational equity in remote areas.