Subjective outcome evaluation of a positive youth development program targeting students with greater psychosocial needs

Author(s):  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Lu Yu ◽  
Vicky Y.T. Ho
2010 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2101-2111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. L. Shek ◽  
Rachel C.F. Sun

The Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is a positive youth development program in Hong Kong. After completion of the program, program implementers were required to draw five conclusions based on the subjective outcome evaluation findings collected from the program participants and implementers as reported in the evaluation report. Secondary analyses of the data collected from 48 schools that had joined the Secondary 3 program showed that most of the conclusions concerning perceptions of the program, instructors, and effectiveness of the program were positive in nature. There were also conclusions indicating strengths and possible improvement of the program. The present findings are consistent with the previous findings that suggest that the Project P.A.T.H.S. is well received by the stakeholders and the program is beneficial to the development of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.


2020 ◽  
pp. 104973152098080
Author(s):  
Xiaoqin Zhu ◽  
Daniel T. L. Shek

Objectives: This study validated a 36-item Subjective Outcome Evaluation Scale (SOES) and examined the effectiveness of a positive youth development (PYD) program entitled “Tin Ka Ping Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs” (TKP P.A.T.H.S. Project) and implemented in mainland China in the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 academic years. Methods: We collected data from 20,480 students from 30 secondary schools in mainland China on their views toward program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits based on the SOES. Results: The SOES possessed good factorial, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validities as well as internal consistency. Besides, the student respondents were generally satisfied with the program quality, implementer quality, and program benefits. Consistent with our hypothesis, junior grade students had more positive perceptions than did senior grade students. Conclusion: Utilizing the client satisfaction approach, this study validated the SOES and highlighted the value of PYD programs exemplified by the TKP P.A.T.H.S. Program in a non-Western context.


2010 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1890-1900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. L. Shek ◽  
Cecilia M. S. Ma ◽  
Rachel C. F. Sun

To help adolescents with greater psychosocial needs, the Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) was designed and implemented by school social workers and teachers. Based on subjective outcome evaluation data collected from the program participants (n = 2,542) in 49 schools, program implementers were invited to write down five conclusions based on an integration of the evaluation findings. With reference to 245 conclusions included in the 49 evaluation reports, secondary data analyses showed that most of the conclusions concerning perceptions of the Tier 2 Program, instructors, and program effectiveness were positive. In addition, difficulties encountered and recommendations for program improvement were highlighted. In conjunction with previous evaluation findings, the present study suggests that the Tier 2 Program was well received and was perceived to be beneficial to the development of adolescents with greater psychosocial needs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 238-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. H. Siu ◽  
Daniel T.L. Shek

The Tier 2 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is designed for adolescents with significant psychosocial needs, and its various programs are designed and implemented by social workers (program implementers) for specific student groups in different schools. Using subjective outcome evaluation data collected from the program participants (Form C) at 207 schools, the program implementers were asked to aggregate data and write down five conclusions (n = 1,035) in their evaluation reports. The conclusions stated in the evaluation reports were further analyzed via secondary data analyses in this study. Results showed that the participants regarded the Tier 2 Program as a success, and was effective in enhancing self-understanding, interpersonal skills, and self-management. They liked the experiential learning approach and activities that are novel, interesting, diversified, adventure-based, and outdoor in nature. They also liked instructors who were friendly, supportive, well-prepared, and able to bring challenges and give positive recognition. Most of the difficulties encountered in running the programs were related to time constraints, clashes with other activities, and motivation of participants. Consistent with the previous evaluation findings, the present study suggests that the Tier 2 Program was well received by the participants and that it was beneficial to the development of the program participants.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L. Luk ◽  
K. M. Leong ◽  
Annah M. L. Au

A well-tested comprehensive Chinese positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) developed in Hong Kong has been modified and adapted for use in Macau. This program aims to help adolescent school children develop positively and to be better prepared for their future. The present study investigated the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of “P.A.T.H.S.” for Secondary 2 students of two pilot schools. Since there were “repeating” and “transferring” students joining the program, the effectiveness of the program on these particular groups of participants was also examined. The subjective outcome evaluations including participants' perceptions of the program, program instructors, benefits from the program, and overall satisfaction were positive. Although the longitudinal data from the objective outcome evaluation did not show any notable improvement, the overall effect of the program was found to be positive to the new comers in the junior secondary years. The existing evaluation findings suggest that the Secondary 2 program is especially effective to those newly joining the program. In view of the paucity of youth studies in Macau, the present study can contribute to evidence-based youth work and provide baseline data for the program to be evaluated in the Secondary 3 periods in the future.


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