Objective outcome evaluation of a positive youth development program in China

Author(s):  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Lu Yu ◽  
Rachel C.F. Sun ◽  
Tak Yan Lee ◽  
Xiao Yan Han ◽  
...  
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.


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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia M. S. Ma ◽  
Daniel T. L. Shek

Objective: The present study explored the outcomes of a positive youth development (PYD) program entitled “Project P.A.T.H.S.” based on a total of 12,281 Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Method: To understand the impact of this program, the study assessed the changes in developmental outcomes using a single group pretest and posttest design. Results: Findings showed that the participants displayed positive changes in PYD attributes, life satisfaction, and thriving after joining the program regardless of the program content. Conclusion: In conjunction with other studies, the study demonstrates the benefits of PYD programs in promoting positive development in Chinese adolescents.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T.L. Shek ◽  
Cecilia M.S. Ma ◽  
Qiuzhi Xie

Abstract This study investigated students’ evaluations of a positive youth development program entitled Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social program) in Hong Kong. The participants were 19,790 Secondary 1, 2 and 3 students who joined this program at the extension phase of the project. They were required to complete a subjective outcome evaluation form to indicate their perceptions of the program content, instructors, and effectiveness. Results showed that the students evaluated this program positively. Amongst the students in the three grades, Secondary 1 students evaluated the program most favorably whereas Secondary 3 students had the relatively least favorable evaluation. In addition, the program content and instructors accounted for approximately 35% of the variance in program effectiveness. The findings generally imply the successful implementation of this program in the community-based phase.


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.


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