A Study of Analytical Thinking and Integrated Science Process Skills of High Vocational Diploma Students, 1st Year in Microbiology through Research Based Learning

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a research-based learning management plan microbiology and its impact on vocational education certificate students in the Animal Science department at Mahasarakham College of Agriculture and Technology. The research instruments included five research-based learning plans of microorganisms and their applications, each plan lasting 4 hours, totaling 20 hours. The tools used were a 20-item multiple-choice achievement test on types of microorganisms and their applications, a 15-item multiple-choice test assessing analytical thinking skills, a 15-item multiple-choice test measuring integrated scientific process skills, and a questionnaire measuring student satisfaction with the research-based learning approach. The research findings revealed the following: 1. The research-based learning management plan was effective according to the 80/80 criterion, with a process efficiency (E1) of 85.40 and an outcome efficiency (E2) of 86.00 2. Students’ analytical thinking skills significantly improved after the course at the .05 level of statistical significance. 3. Students’ integrated scientific process skills significantly improved after the course at the .05 level of statistical significance. 4. Students expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the content, teaching methods, and assessment, with an overall satisfaction average of 4.57. The results indicate that the research-based learning management plan is highly effective and contributes positively to the development of students' analytical thinking skills, integrated scientific process skills, and overall satisfaction.