GUIDELINES FOR OPERATING QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS WITHIN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THAILAND

Abstract

Educational quality assurance has been mandated in the National Education Act, in Thailand which specifies the need for both internal and external quality assurance systems to improve the quality and standards of education at all levels. Educational quality assurance is a process that educational institutions undertake to foster confidence, trust, and satisfaction among stakeholders, including students, parents, the public, and society. It ensures that the institution provides education in accordance with established quality standards. The process of internal quality assurance within educational institutions involves managing and executing activities according to the institution’s operational plan, with the goal of continuously improving the quality of students. This process is designed to assure stakeholders that the institution’s educational management is efficient and that students meet the desired standards of quality or possess the qualities specified by educational standards. Internal quality assurance involves the evaluation and monitoring of educational quality and standards from within, carried out either by the institution's personnel or by its supervisory agency. There are seven steps in the internal quality assurance process. The institution must first establish its educational standards. Once these standards are set, the institution should develop an educational management plan that focuses on achieving quality in line with the set standards. The next step involves implementing the educational management plan. The institution must also monitor and evaluate the quality of education throughout this process. After the plan is fully implemented, an internal quality assessment must be conducted in accordance with the institution’s standards. An annual report, detailing the internal quality assessment, should then be produced. Lastly, the institution must ensure continuous improvement in educational quality. This process ensures that educational institutions operate efficiently and provide high-quality education, reinforcing the trust and confidence of all stakeholders involved.