Factor Analysis of Buddhist Monastic Distance Education: Exploring Operational, Perceptual, and Improvement Factors

ABSTRACT

[Objective] This study re-examines remote training for Buddhist monks as lifelong learning and professional development in the Buddhist community. It analyzes program structure and key operational factors to suggest improvements, exploring monks' perceptions on program management, satisfaction, participation, effectiveness, and areas for improvement, and empirically analyzes the relationships among these factors. [Contents] In 2023, a survey of 150 Jogye Order remote training participants examined four factors: program management, satisfaction, participation, and perceived effectiveness. Exploratory factor and multiple regression analyses showed satisfaction and participation significantly affected perceived effectiveness. Key improvement items were identified through frequency analysis, and cluster analysis with multidimensional scaling (MDS) revealed five distinct perception groups among respondents. [Conclusions] Remote training for Buddhist monks should support lifelong learning and leadership development, not just occupational skills. This study found that participation and satisfaction strongly influence perceived effectiveness, highlighting the need for engaging, practical teaching strategies. Five types of improvement needs emerged, emphasizing the importance of flexible, tailored programs that reflect participant diversity. The findings offer concrete guidance for enhancing the quality and policies of Buddhist remote training programs.