The Importance of Education in Enhancing Quality of Life: A Study of Student-Written Biographical Documentaries

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) examine the importance of education in enhancing quality of life as portrayed in student-written biographical documentaries, and 2) explore the problems and obstacles within the educational system reflected in these writings. This qualitative study employs content analysis, drawing on conceptual frameworks regarding the significance of education, quality of life development, and challenges in the education system. The data consist of 155 student-written biographical documentaries produced by students from the Thai Language for Communication program, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mahasarakham Rajabhat University, in the "News and Documentary Writing" course during the first semesters of the 2022 and 2023 academic years (90 and 65 works, respectively).

            The research findings reveal that: 1) Education plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life across three dimensions: (1)materially, by creating opportunities for careers and income; (2) psychologically, by fostering encouragement, self-esteem, and emotional resilience; and (3) cognitively, by transforming attitudes, instilling life goals, and developing critical thinking skills. 2) The major problems and obstacles in the educational system affecting quality of life, as identified in the biographical documentaries, include: (1) lack of motivation and negative attitudes towards learning, (2) financial difficulties, (3) unfavorable family environments, and (4) mental and physical health issues.