The impact of Thai culture, Thai university culture and rote learning on applied research at Khon Kaen University

This research project evaluates the extent to which Thai culture with a reliance on rote learning impacts Thai university culture and in turn diminishes applied research outcomes at Khon Kaen University (KKU). On the basis of this evaluation, a strategy is proposed to overcome this impediment in order to enhance applied research outcomes at KKU.

Qualitative research is employed in the research project. It investigates the viewpoints of four specific stakeholder groups (students, lecturers, government officials and industry representatives) and explores human social phenomena relevant to the research topic. An evaluative framework comprising seven key elements derived from a literature review defines the research. The seven key elements are: collaborative research, government funding, income generation, national economic benefit, human resources, creative and critical inquiry, and pedagogy.

Analysis of the research outcomes confirms the hypothesis that Thai culture, Thai university culture and rote learning impact applied research outcomes at KKU. Relevant dimensions of Thai culture include the role of seniority, conservatism and collective thinking. Relevant dimensions of Thai university culture include a belief that theoretical pure research, strict adherence to traditional disciplinary boundaries and collaborative research do not constitute the academic role of the university, a belief enforced by hierarchical control. Relevant dimensions of rote learning include it pedagogical dominance in Thai universities resulting in the restrictive adherence to curricula and reliance on examinations devoid of critical and creative thinking. These dimensions result in a disconnection between knowing and doing: that is, between knowledge and its implementation with an inability to think critically and creativity with the initiative that applied research demands.

In conclusion, the research project posits a strategy increase applied research outcomes at KKU. This strategy employs eight elements: Mode-2 knowledge production, transdiciplinarity, action learning, social accountability, individual autonomy, student-centred pedagogy, practical assessments, and innovation generation. To overcome cultural resistance to these strategic elements, an overarching strategy aligned with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, is documented. It is anticipated that the strategy might spur the development of applied research outcomes at KKU and thereby deliver economic benefits to the Thai nation by way of its universities and industry.