Stakeholder Needs and Curriculum Development Guidelines for the Bachelor of Arts Program in Oriental Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Humanities, Ramkhamhaeng University

Abstract

The Bachelor of Arts Program in Oriental Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Humanities, Ramkhamhaeng University, comprises a group of language fields offered as minor and basic courses of study, specifically Myanmar, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Malay, with the potential expansion to incorporate other Oriental languages in the future. This study employs a quantitative research methodology, utilizing questionnaires for data collection and descriptive statistics to analyze and interpret the survey results gathered from relevant stakeholders. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the needs and establish development guidelines for the Eastern Languages and Cultures program.

The findings reveal a significant shift in the educational paradigm regarding the identity of future learners. The student demographic is transitioning from traditional academic streams to adult or working-age learners who already hold university degrees. This shift aligns precisely with the philosophy and structural framework of Ramkhamhaeng University’s "Open-Market University" (Talad-Wicha) system, which emphasizes educational freedom and flexibility. These learners do not merely seek a foundational qualification, but rather intend to upskill and reskill to remain competitive amid the shifting dynamics of the labor market. Furthermore, the decision to pursue further education among these prospective students is driven by multifaceted factors. Economically, education is perceived as a critical human capital investment to enhance marketability and ensure financial security in an era of rapid technological disruption. Socially, this decision is reinforced by the cultural shift toward lifelong learning and the desire to expand professional networks among peers. Additionally, individual psychological factors, such as possessing a growth mindset and the pursuit of self-actualization to fulfill personal pride, serve as vital catalysts prompting adult learners to re-enter the higher education system.