Genneral Education Khon Kaen University

General Education Program
Khon Kaen University (New revision 2005)

Program name
In Thai: หลักสูตรวิชาศึกษาทั่วไป มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น
In English: General Education Program, Khon Kaen University
Responsible Organization: Office of General Education, Khon Kaen University

Principles and Logic

In January 2004, there were 73 Bachelors degree programs of Khon Kaen University that vary in both structure and credit. The totals of standard credits for General Education courses range from the lowest (30 credits) to the highest (42 credits). Moreover, there are 155 general-education subjects that have different names, and there are numerous courses the contents of which are not in accordance with the philosophy of General Education. These should not be placed in the General Education Program, but should be added in the Professional Foundation Program, for example, some subjects that have some scientific contents such as Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Algebra. The overall selection of the general-education courses in a program depends on whether the subject is already offered. If so, the faculty or department responsible is requested to offer it to other students. This may not match the students’ needs.
The program conditions and the teaching management mentioned above are the big obstacles to the implementation of university policy.

The program condition did not show how to develop the quality of graduates and carry out the basic philosophy of managing General Education. Especially when it came to empowering the graduates to become excellent, good and happy as outlined in the guidelines of the National Education Act in 1999 and in the standards of the Bachelors level program of the Ministry of Education.
The subjects are not favorable for expanding the courses on a diversified and international basis because there is too much variation in each program. There are 155 subjects, most of which are not transferable. If a new program were to be opened, it would be hard for the responsible department to support other programs and it is also hard to control since it depends on what general education courses will be selected.
The scope of General Education subjects is extensive and includes humanities, social sciences, sciences, technology, and health sciences, etc. Therefore, teachers from all faculties should be able to teach these subjects. However, at the present time, most of the courses are under specific faculties, so there are some teaching limitations. Having the courses under specific faculties has not supported the worthwhile use of resources as expected in Khon Kaen University, which includes human resources and all facilities.

To solve the problem, Khon Kaen University established a policy according to the Khon Kaen University announcement (No. 351/ 2001), “The Policy in the Managing of the General Education Program”. This policy would facilitate the management of the general-education program in order to respond to Khon Kaen University’s philosophy of developing qualified graduates. General education should support various areas and promote the wise use of resources. Moreover, Khon Kaen University Council has come to conclusions about the management of General Education. For example, in the Meeting No. 1/ 2003 on January 29, 2003 and in Meeting No. 2/ 2004 on February 25, 2004, the KKU Council came to the following conclusions:

To assign a framework for the General Education Program at the Bachelors level that is in accordance with the philosophy and objectives of the Office of General Education and the standards for Bachelors level of the Ministry of Education.
To develop general-education courses so that they are integrative and are the common courses of Khon Kaen University.
To establish a responsible organization for managing the General Education Program.

Philosophy of the Program

According to the standards for the Bachelors level set forth by the Ministry of Education in 2005, the definition of General Education is provision of subjects that focus on learner development. The learner should have extensive knowledge and broad vision, and also have an understanding of the nature of oneself, others, and society. They should also long for knowledge, have critical thinking, and be able to communicate well. Moreover, they should have morals, and should realize the value of Thai and international arts and culture. Also, they should be able to apply their knowledge in their daily lives and lead their lives in the society. The philosophy of General Education is based on the idea of human development, i.e., the development in both the absolute and the balance of human nature, which is physical and mental (emotions, thoughts, the mind, and the soul). This knowledge includes three sciences: The Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences. Generally speaking, General Education should be integrated with the subjects above and should be specific to only one major.

Objectives of the Program

To promote and develop the extensive learning skills for learners which are an important foundation of higher education and life-long learning.
To promote and empower the learners to have academic knowledge, perspective and broad vision, to help them understand the nature of themselves, others and society, and to assist them in happily applying their knowledge in their daily lives.
To implant learners with morals and ethics in order that they realize their roles and rights as members of society and as citizens of the country. It is also important that they appreciate the values of Thai and international arts and culture.