Development of a Positive Youth Development Subject in a University Context

Abstract

In this chapter, the impact of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the university context in Hong Kong is illustrated. Based on the positive youth development constructs and programs covered in the Project P.A.T.H.S., a university version of the Project P.A.T.H.S. was developed in the form of a credit-bearing subject, with 42 of classroom contact. Utilizing positive youth development constructs such as psychosocial competencies and resilience, a subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” was developed at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to promote the psychosocial competencies and holistic development of the students. The subject was piloted twice in 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 academic years. Evaluation based on objective outcome evaluation, subjective outcome evaluation, process evaluation, and qualitative evaluation consistently showed that the subject, teachers, and program effects were positively perceived by the students and the students displayed positive changes after taking this subject.

The development of the course titled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” and the evaluation study were financially supported by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University via the Teaching Development Grant and the funding for the 3-3-4 new curriculum. We would also like to thank the Wofoo Foundation for the establishment of several scholarships for those outstanding students taking the subject. Members of the Curriculum Development Team include Daniel Shek, Rachel Sun, Yat Hung Chui, Dorcas Allen, Cecilia Ma, Lu Yu, Yida Chung, Yammy Chak, Pik Fong Tsui, Moon Law, and Winnie Fung.