3 - 5 June 2023 ─ SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Research and Evaluation Manager, Mrs. Yaowalak Jittakoat led a team of researchers to host a three-day capacity-building workshop, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) training, and data interpretation at the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
This event is under an umbrella of “A Case of Data Analysis and Interpretation Workshop: The STEM Career Academies Program Promotes Aspiration and Readiness for Future Workforce” ─ which represented SEAMEO STEM-ED’s utmost determination in forming a movement of STEM-related talents in the future workforce.
At its inception, the data analysis and interpretation workshop foreshadowed how the quasi-experiment will demonstrate four key aspects of how teachers will utilize STEM education and allow students to excel in their careers. And as the event follows, it journeyed through collecting data as well as analyzing ─ and interpreting data for higher efficiency.
At its core, the research framework applied the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model (a globally recognized method of evaluating the results of training and learning programs, assessing both formal and informal training methods and rating them against four levels of criteria: reaction, learning, behavior, and results).
As a consequence, the key findings (after being applied in actual classrooms) demonstrated that students who participated in the program showed signs of higher career aspiration, were aware of career-related skills, and were more prepared for professional careers than those who did not participate.
Amid the success of the framework, it was recommended for a longitudinal study to follow up on employability, job behavior, and the potential job market.
SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director, Dr. Kritsachai Somsaman at the event, shed light on the research direction for policy advocacy in the theme of the future workforce. He highlighted the tendency of future STEM workforce both in Thai and Southeast Asia region ─ remarking how this research finding will be impactful to future educational policies.
Voicing the research potential in different industries, he said there is an immense possibility of making this viable.
At the closing of the event, the Program Director and Project Manager also voiced appreciation toward researchers and the team. In this matter, the two urged the team of researchers to continue such an impactful task and reflect on quality-based research, which will be thrust upon many children’s lives and their careers.
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Researchers who attended the event were:
Mrs. Yaowalak Jittakoat, Research and Evaluation manager from SEAMEO STEM-ED
Ms. Kwankamol Napaniwattikul, a Research Assistant from SEAMEO STEM-ED
Dr. Krittaphat Wongma from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerasak Urajananon from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
Asst. Prof. Dr. Prakittiya Tuksino from Khon Kaen University
Dr. Supunee Junpirom from Suranaree University
Dr. Wanploy Jinagool from Suranaree University
Asst. Prof. Dr. Jirarat Sitthiworachart from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
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