Thai School Learning Communities (SLC): An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Abstract

This research paper analyzes the composition and level of core values of 17 Thai schools from 17 provinces using school learning communities (SLC). After a literature review, 38 core values were initially determined. A quantitative research methodology was also used to develop a 5-level questionnaire. The sample size was 304 individuals who were selected by stratified random sampling. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed, from which seven experts determined that the SLC core value variables could be grouped into four main categories containing 32 remaining core value variables after the importance assessment. Ranked in priority order, these were 1) Component 4 (Emphasize on teachers' acceptance of diversity) (mean = 4.57, SD =.49), Component 1: Encouraging learners to show their full potential (mean = 4.40, SD =.42), Component 3: Emphasis on trust through participatory work (mean = 4.39, SD =.44), and Component 2: Supporting self-directed learners in a team-based learning style (mean = 4.38, SD =.42).