Study of directions for addressing student quarrel problems in a Private Vocational College

Abstract

This study aims to examine directions for addressing student quarrel problems in a private vocational college and to propose the possible directions in preventing and solving those problems. It is a qualitative research using the in-depth interview technique. There are a total number of 21 key informants: 1 education institute administrator, 5 teachers having either direct experiences on quarrels or students under their supervision involving in quarrels, 10 students (5 alumni and 5 current students) who have engaged in quarrels and 5 guardians of students involving in the quarrels. According to the research results, there are 4 principal causes of quarrels: 1) friends and senior students; 2) internal environment of family; 3) students’ lifestyle culture; and 4) college location. Today, thanks to the technological advancement, the revilement or provocation of quarrels or insult is not limited to the face-to-face style alone; it can also be made through online social media (Facebook or LINE application). This eventually leads to the serious quarrels. The quarrel nowadays is not for personal satisfaction or revenge to frighten other party but for killing. In this regard, the measures according to the Ministry of Education’s quarrel prevention and solution strategy are: recordkeeping, firearm inspection, and appointment of teachers to be stationed at certain risk locations. These actions succeed in reducing the number and severity of quarrels. Moreover, it is also found that the measures proclaimed by virtue of Section 44 of Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim), B.E. 2557 (2014) are also highly effective in solving quarrel problems. Nonetheless, the discussions between the education institute administrators are the unsuccessful solution for solving the quarrel problems among vocational students.