THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FLEXIBLE EDUCATIONAL MODEL TO PREVENT DROPOUT AMONG AT-RISK STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF THE 5D MODEL AT BAN NA KO SCHOOL

Abstract

        This study aimed 1) to develop a flexible educational management model, the “5D Model,” to support students at risk of dropping out of the education system, and  2)  to examine the outcomes of implementing the model in the context of opportunity expansion schools in rural areas. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) design, the study targeted at-risk students at Ban Nako School, Loei Province, selected through purposive sampling.  The innovation was designed based on the five processes of the 5D Model: Discover, Design, Do, Discuss, and Develop. Data collection employed behavior observation forms, in-depth interviews, and reflective meeting protocols. Data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.  The findings demonstrated that the 5D flexible educational management model consists of five essential stages : 1) Discover identifying students’ identity and potential, 2) Design co-creating personalized learning pathways, 3) Do engaging in experiential activities and life-based projects, (4) Discuss conducting collaborative review and reflection, and (5) Develop—enhancing and extending opportunities for the future. The qualitative evaluation revealed that at-risk students exhibited higher learning motivation, stronger school engagement, and a substantially reduced risk of dropping out.