Evaluation using student weekly diaries

Abstract

Four students participating in the experimental implementation phase of the project P.A.T.H.S. (secondary 2 level) were randomly selected to join this qualitative evaluation study. After completion of the tier 1 program, 260 secondary 2 (grade 8) students in these four participating schools were invited to write a reflective journal in the form of weekly diary to reveal their perceptions and feelings regarding the tier 1 program and the related benefits. Results of the qualitative data analysis showed that most of the respondents (a) had positive views on the programs, (b) had positive views on the instructors, and (c) stated that they had acquired competencies at societal, familial, interpersonal and personal levels after joining the program. The present qualitative findings based on students' weekly diaries are generally consistent with the previous evaluation findings using students' diaries and other evaluation strategies.