Implementation of the Secondary 2 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.: observations based on the co-walker scheme

Abstract

The present study examined the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) at Secondary 2 level in the third year of the initial phase of the project in Hong Kong. Classroom observations of 222 units in 148 schools were conducted under the co-walker scheme. Results generally showed that the overall level of program adherence was high and different dimensions of program delivery were positively correlated amongst themselves. Instructors' use of positive and supportive feedback, degree of achievement of the objectives, and lesson preparation significantly predicted both the overall implementation quality and perceived success of the program. While instructors' interactive delivery method and their familiarity with the students predicted overall implementation quality, student participation and involvement, and opportunity for reflection were predictive of implementation success. In conjunction with other evaluation findings, the present study lends further support to the high implementation quality of Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.