Evaluation of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject for university students in Hong Kong : findings based on 2 years

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a general education subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” using the Student Feedback Questionnaire (SFQ) and student final grades in the subject in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A total of 1406 and 1283 students in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years, respectively, completed the online SFQ. Results revealed that despite a slight decrease in student ratings in the second year, students generally expressed positive perceptions of the subject over 2 years regarding subject attributes, teacher attributes, and subject benefits. Results also showed consistent faculty differences in students’ satisfaction across 2 years. Students in the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles and the Faculty of Engineering had more positive evaluations for the subject compared with students from the Faculty of Construction and Environment. Significant relationships amongst the three dimensions of course evaluation as well as between course evaluation and students’ final grade in the subject were also observed. Students’ perception of teacher attributes was a significant predictor for their final grade. The present study demonstrates the favorable effects of the subject on students’ positive development over time.