General education at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University: A comprehensive evaluation study

• Published in: International journal of child and adolescent health Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 63 - 74
• Main Authors: Shek, Daniel T L, Yu, Lu, Chai, Wen Yu, Chan, Kevin, Ngai, Joe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hauppauge Nova Science Publishers, Inc 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Class size; Cognition & reasoning; Cooperative learning; Curricula; Developing countries; Focus groups; Higher education; Interdisciplinary subjects; LDCs; Service learning; Society; Teaching; University students; Hong Kong
• ISSN: 1939-5930; 2374-0833

The present study evaluated the implementation and impact of the "general university requirements" (GUR) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods included a four-year longitudinal online survey, Collegiate Learning Assessment Plus (CLA+), and secondary analyses of student feedback data in different years. Qualitative methods included focus groups and qualitative evaluation forms involving students and teachers as well as a longitudinal case study. Results showed that students displayed positive development based on different developmental indicators of the five desired graduate attributes of PolyU in their study of the four-year program. Both students and teachers also generally showed positive perceptions of the GUR, with reference to its subject content, teaching and learning, and benefits. Several major concerns regarding the GUR were also identified.