The Department of Educational Administration, Faculty of Education, Burapha University, organized an academic seminar under the collaborative project on educational leadership between Burapha University and educational institutions in the Eastern region of Thailand. The seminar, titled “Preparing for Professional School Leadership”, aimed to foster professional readiness among future school leaders.
In the current context, Thai education is encountering rapid changes brought about by social and technological transformations, particularly in the field of educational administration in the digital era. Effective leadership requires administrators with knowledge, competence, and vision to lead educational institutions toward sustainable success. In response to these challenges, capacity building for students enrolled in the Master of Education program in Educational Administration has become critically important. Notably, the course 43068164: Seminar in Educational Administration and Educational Trends is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience in real-world educational settings.
The seminar, “Academic Collaboration in Educational Administration between the University and Educational Institutions in the Eastern Region”, served as a platform for knowledge exchange between graduate students and school administrators. It also promoted academic collaboration aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4)—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The initiative was an essential step in strengthening students’ competencies in preparation for becoming high-quality, professional educational leaders.
Furthermore, the seminar aligns with the strategic direction of the Faculty of Education, Burapha University, which emphasizes educational innovation and leadership development to drive positive transformation within the Thai education system. The project specifically supports efforts to enhance school management capabilities to be more responsive to the needs of the digital age, thereby adding value to both the academic community and broader society.
Objectives of the project
- To provide students with hands-on experience in organizing an academic seminar as part of the course learning outcomes.
- To enable students and participants to understand the scope of educational administration, the roles of school administrators in the digital era, and essential skills for the 21st century.
- To promote the exchange of ideas and experiences among graduate students, school leaders, and educational personnel regarding the scope of educational administration in alignment with technological and societal changes.
- To enhance the capacity of students and seminar participants to apply innovative concepts in planning and preparing for professional school leadership, as well as in improving educational effectiveness in response to learners’ and societal needs.
The seminar was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Punniththa Mrazek, the project chair, in collaboration with department members and graduate students from the Department of Educational Administration. It was held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00 a.m. in Room QS1-406, Faculty of Education, Burapha University, and was also livestreamed via the official Facebook page of the Department of Educational Administration. Distinguished speakers included: 1. Dr. Autchariya Suraworachet, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, Bothong Wongchanwittaya School, The Secondary Educational Service Area Office Chonburi Rayong 2. Mr. Wuthipong Khemduang, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Banglamung School, The Secondary Educational Service Area Office Chonburi Rayong 3. Mr. Parinyawat Thomkrajang, Deputy Director of Human Resource, Finance, and Assets, Banglamung School, The Secondary Educational Service Area Office Chonburi Rayong 4. Dr. Bunjaporn Yamlamoon, Deputy Director of General Administration, Singsamut School, The Secondary Educational Service Area Office Chonburi
The academic seminar significantly enhanced the professional competencies of graduate students in educational administration by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical insights from experienced school leaders.
Participants gained a deeper understanding of current educational challenges in the digital era and developed greater awareness of leadership strategies aligned with SDG 4. The event fostered strong academic collaboration between the university and local schools, building a network of practice for future cooperation. Additionally, the project promoted public engagement through live streaming, broadening the seminar’s reach and reinforcing the university’s role in educational development. Overall, the seminar contributed to the preparation of high-quality, future-ready school leaders. Approximately 80 participants attended the on-site session, while the Facebook Live broadcast reached an estimated 3,900 viewers.
