Subjective outcome evaluation of the training program of the project P.A.T.H.S. based on qualitative findings

Abstract

A total of 358 participants from 52 schools joined the 3-day training program of the P.A.T.H.S. Project in Hong Kong. At the end of training, participants were invited to respond to a subjective outcome evaluation questionnaire (31 structured items and two open-ended questions). The results based on the qualitative analysis of the participants’ responses to the two open-ended questions showed that participants appreciated the instructors’ performance, program design and implementation, administrative arrangement, and the ability of the training to promote their self-reflection. While suggestions for improvement in the training program were noted, the qualitative findings were consistent with the quantitative evaluation findings based on the 31 items that the training program promoted the participants’ knowledge about positive youth development and participants’ self-reflection, thus supporting the effectiveness of the training program for the potential program implementers.