Subjective outcome evaluation of the Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project : views of senior secondary school students

Abstract

The Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project is an innovative positive youth development (PYD) program in mainland China with an aim to promote holistic development of Chinese secondary school students. Based on the subjective outcome evaluation approach, this study explored the effectiveness of the Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project in senior secondary schools in the 2015-2016 academic year from the perspective of students. A total of 1,762 senior secondary students from six participating schools completed the evaluation form. Findings suggested that a high proportion of the participants expressed positive attitudes towards the program, instructors' performance, and benefits of the program. Compared with Grade 11, Grade 10 students reported higher levels of satisfaction in all three aspects. In line with previous studies, the three dimensions had significant inter-relationships, and both program quality and instructor perfonnance were found to be significant predictors of perceived program benefits. As a pioneering attempt, this study provides evidence supporting the success of the Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project.