Best Practices in Administration Based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to Enhance the Sustainability of Small Schools Under the Nakhon Pathom Primary Educational Service Area Office 2

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) examine the current state of school administration based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) in small-sized schools; (2) investigate the current state, desirable state, and priority needs for developing best practices; and (3) propose best practices for enhancing the sustainability of small-sized schools. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved studying the school management state through interviews with 5 administrators and teachers selected by purposive sampling based on predetermined criteria. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Phase 2 focused on studying priority needs from a sample of 162 individuals selected through proportionate stratified random sampling based on district locations. The research instrument was a five-point Likert scale questionnaire with a content validity index (IOC) ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) exceeding 0.80. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified). Phase 3 involved synthesizing the best practices through a focus group discussion with six experts selected by purposive sampling according to predetermined criteria. Data were collected using a focus group discussion record form and analyzed through content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1. Management State: The key factor for success in school management based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy is the creation of strong collaborative networks with the community. The community serves as a vital source of knowledge and support. Management focuses on extending existing activities, such as waste bank projects, to promote learning about cost-effective resource utilization and to build environmental, economic, and social sustainability. 2. The current state, desirable state, and priority needs for developing best practices showed that the overall current level of administration based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was at a high level. The desirable state was rated at the highest level across all dimensions. The analysis of the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified) identified the following development priorities, ranked from highest to lowest: moderation (PNI Modified = 0.229), self-immunity (PNI Modified = 0.228), knowledge condition (PNI Modified = 0.225), reasonableness (PNI Modified = 0.207), and moral condition (PNI Modified = 0.206). These findings suggest that although small-sized schools have effectively implemented the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, greater emphasis should be placed on achieving balanced resource management to strengthen institutional capacity and support further development in other dimensions. 3. Best Practices: The synthesized best practices consist of five key components: 1) Moderate resource management; 2) Data-driven reasonable management; 3) Building organizational immunity; 4) Learner development through active learning; and 5) Building collaborative networks with the community. These practices effectively reduce the limitations of small schools, leading to efficient resource utilization and tangible sustainability for educational institutions.