THE READINESS PREPARATION TO INCREASE ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS OF RAJABHAT UNIVERSITIES IN RATTANAKOSIN GROUP

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to enhance the academic competitiveness of Rajabhat Universities in Rattanakosin group which includes Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Ban Somdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Pranakorn Rajabhat University, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University and Dhonburi Rajabhat University. The approach to increase academic competitiveness must focus on activities for knowledge management, and the creation of various new knowledge, such as personnel development, the addition of courses that are of high standards and up-to-date, the increase of the capability to conduct quality research studies that will yield research findings applicable to learner-centered instructional management. Furthermore, the approach can be used as the prototype for development of Rajabhat universities throughout the country to enhance their efficiency in providing quality education on par with the international standards in order to upgrade Thai education in the world context. It also will enhance the capability of Rajabhat universities to effectively carry out their four missions: provision of instruction, provision of academic services, conducting research, and promotion and enhancement of arts and culture, all of which with the aim to strengthen the local community in order to live up to the resolution for establishment of Rajabhat universities to be the university for sustainable development of the local community.