Proceedings of The 6th World Conference on Research in Teaching and Education
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Challenges Faced by High School Students in Thailand When Preparing for Medical School Admissions: A Comparative Study of Regular Thai Programs and International Schools
Saphol Chanmaneewong, Pratchayapong Yasri
ABSTRACT:
This research examines varying levels of educational, motivational, social, and financial challenges perceived by Thai high school students when preparing for medical school admission. Based on a quantitative survey of 100 students attending either a regular Thai school program or an international school program, we present their perceived levels of stress, the comparison of the stress levels between students from the two school systems, and the comparison of the stress levels between different grade levels. The paired t-test revealed that the greatest challenge faced by the student participants was related to the educational aspects, followed by motivational, social, and financial aspects. In addition, the independent t-test revealed that Year 12 students exhibited the highest level of perceived stress compared to their high school peers (Year 11 and Year 13). In addition, students enrolled in regular Thai programs reported a higher level of overall perceived stress than those enrolled in international programs. The findings suggest that policies and programs designed to address the educational, motivational, social, and financial challenges of high school students in Thailand to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional objectives in the field of medicine.
keywords: medical school admissions, educational challenges, motivational challenge, social and financial challenges, comparative study