Journal Article

School–University Partnerships for Place-Based Educational Administration Innovation: Fostering Innovative Co-Creator Learners

Suwanmanee, Sinchai, Mahapoonyanont, Natcha, Wannapairo, Suntaree, Uetrakool, Chanaporn

2026

Overview

In a rapidly changing era, education systems must empower learners as community innovators through Place-Based Education (PBE). While School–University partnerships are global drivers of reform, the specific administrative mechanisms required to support and scale these innovations within decentralized policy frameworks, such as Thailand’s Education Sandbox, remain underexplored. This Research and Development (R&D) study, integrated with a Design Thinking framework, investigated school-led administrative innovations across four diverse jurisdictions in the Songkhla Education Sandbox over 12 months. The study synthesized a collaborative administrative framework structured around four core pillars: Strategic Mentoring and Thinking Partnership, Place-Based Educational Ecosystems, Adaptive Governance and Resource Autonomy, and Collective Synergy and Iterative Development. Empirical findings indicate that this framework supported the development of “Innovative Co-creator” characteristics among students, generating high-value outcomes such as “Songkhla Mini Mango Coffee” and social innovations from water hyacinth. The study concludes that educational transformation thrives when administrative structures shift from compliance-driven mandates to flexible, context-responsive partnerships. By integrating university-led coaching with community assets, the framework offers a promising, contextually adaptable model for enhancing student learning outcomes while preserving local socio-cultural identity. This systematic approach supports the continuity of educational reform across diverse regional contexts.

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Subject: Basic Skills / Classroom Techniques / Collaboration / Communities of Practice / Competence / Cooperative Learning / Cultural Pluralism / Curriculum Development / Educational Administration / educational administration innovation / Educational Change / Educational Facilities Improvement / Educational Innovation / Educational leadership / Educational Principles / Educational Quality / Educational reform / Empowerment / Environmental Education / Evaluative Thinking / Expertise / Governance / Government School Relationship / Higher Education / Industrial research / Influence of Technology / Innovations / innovative co-creator / Instructional Improvement / Instructional Innovation / Instructional Leadership / Learner Engagement / Mentors / place-based education / School–University partnerships / Student Needs / Students / Thailand