Implementation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in a school with a religious background: a case study

This paper reports the findings of a case study that attempted to identify school-related factors influencing the quality of implementation of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong. The case study method was utilized to investigate perceptions of the program implementers of program effectiveness, and to identify the crucial factors for program success in a school with a religious background that admits students with high academic achievement. Findings demonstrated that incorporation of the program into the formal curriculum, good administrative support, efficient management from school, and presence of dedicated teachers contributed to program success. The present findings provide insight for the implementation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in schools with a religious background.     

Implementation of a positive youth development program by class teachers in a Chinese context

Abstract This paper reports the findings of a case study in which a curriculum-based positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) was implemented by the class teachers in a school. School-related factors which contributed to the success of program implementation were identified in the study. Results showed that factors facilitating the program implementation were closely related to the "5Ps" model (i.e., program, people, process, policy and place). While all the above factors contributed to the success of program implementation, the "people" factor was identified as the most crucial factor. Overall, both the students and program implementers perceived the program to be effective in promoting holistic development in the program participants.     

Design of training programs for a positive youth development program: Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong

To facilitate the implementation of the Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong, systematic training programs are designed for the potential program implementers. The rationales, objectives and design of the Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 training programs are outlined in this paper. The training programs cover theories of adolescent development, positive youth development, background and curricula of the Project P.A.T.H.S., factors affecting program implementation quality and evaluation of the project. Besides introducing the curriculum units, the training programs also focus on nature of learning and related theories (particularly experiential learning), teaching methods and instructional techniques, motivating students, and classroom management.     

Training potential program implementers of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Secondary 1 Program) in Hong Kong

To strengthen the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1 Level) of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong, a 20-hour training program is provided to the potential program implementers before program implementation. A total of 49 workshops were conducted with 2,359 teachers, social workers and allied professionals participating in the program. This paper describes the objectives, development and implementation of the Secondary One Training Program delivered in the first cycle of the P.A.T.H.S. Project. Conceptual and practical issues underlying the training program as well as the implications for future training programs are also discussed.     

Subjective outcome evaluation of the Secondary 2 Training Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong

Subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perceptions of the participants who participated in a 3-day training program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. are reported in this paper. Results showed that most of the respondents were satisfied with and had positive perceptions about the training program. They also reported that they were able to acquire attitude, knowledge and skills conducive to the successful implementation of the program. In addition, the findings suggest that the training program is effective in promoting the participants' self-reflections. The present findings provide support for the effectiveness of the Secondary 2 Training Program (Experimental Implementation Phase) of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.     

Training evaluation of the Secondary 3 Training Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong

A total of 235 participants from 48 schools participated in a 3-day training program designed to train teachers and social workers to implement the Secondary 3 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong. At the end of the training program, participants were invited to respond to a structured subjective outcome evaluation questionnaire containing 31 items. The findings revealed that most of the respondents had very positive perceptions about the training program and the instructors. The present evaluation findings are consistent with the subjective outcome evaluation findings in Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 Training Programs, which revealed the training program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. generated positive reactions, enhanced learning, and desired behavioral changes in the program participants.