Needs and Guidelines for Developing Innovative Thinking Skills of Private School Administrators in Samutprakan Province

This research aimed to: 1) study the current state, the desired state, and the necessary needs for developing innovative thinking skills of private school administrators in Samut Prakan Province 2) propose a guideline for developing innovative thinking skills of private school administrators in Samut Prakan Province. The sample group consisted of 96 school administrators, selected through purposive sampling, and 345 teachers, totaling 441 participants, selected through simple random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire with an overall reliability of .954. Data were analyzed using basic statistics such as percentage, mean, standard deviation, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI modified) to rank the needs. An interview guide was also used to gather insights into developing innovative thinking skills. Data analysis involved frequency statistics and content analysis. The research results showed that: 1) The current state of innovative thinking skills of private school administrators in Samut Prakan Province was overall at a high level. When considering individual aspects, the highest average was in creative thinking, while the lowest was in linking to new knowledge. 2) The desired state of innovative thinking skills was overall at a high level, with the highest average in experimentation and the lowest in observation. 3) The ranking of necessary needs indicated that linking to new knowledge ranked first, followed by experimentation and observation, respectively. 4) Appropriate approaches to develop innovative thinking skills of private school administrators. Samut Prakan Province consists of linking to new knowledge organizing training and seminars, developing systematic thinking skills, practicing using digital tools, promoting the use of research processes, enhancing linking skills, and establishing monitoring and evaluation systems. observation conduct SWOT analysis, build cooperation networks, create risk management plans, develop data collection and analysis systems, organize training, hold monthly meetings, promote the use of research processes, and train systematic thinking skills. experimentation: Promote research activities, improve communication skills, provide training, and develop innovations. creative thinking: Organize training and seminars, promote the use of research processes, encourage the use of technology, support innovation management, and build networks. creative questioning: Provide training and seminars, create conducive environments, practice questioning skills, coach on techniques, and promote idea exchange.