Development of undergraduate university students : a 4-year longitudinal case study in Hong Kong

Abstract

Using a longitudinal case study approach, this study investigated students' development in their undergraduate years and perceptions of the "general university requirements" (GUR) in the new four-year undergraduate curriculum of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Forty-two students enrolled in the new curriculum were invited to participate in yearly interviews, with 42, 31, 20, 23 students finally completed the yearly interviews from Year 1 to Year 4, respectively. Students' views in different academic years systematically indicated that the GUR program helped to promote students' development in a holistic manner, particularly with reference to the development of PolyU desired graduate attributes, knowledge broadening, and mental health promotion. The students' views towards different GUR subjects and the overall university education were also positive. Meanwhile, some challenges mentioned by students were noted for further improvement.