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General Education Learning Outcomes and Demographic Correlates in University Students in Hong Kong

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Listed:
  • Lu Yu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Daniel T. L. Shek

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    East China Normal University
    Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau)

  • Xiaoqin Zhu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Although there are studies showing that higher education would benefit university students, empirical research that comprehensively assesses student general education learning outcomes and related demographic correlates based on longitudinal data is minimal, especially in the Chinese context. To address the research gaps, the present study was conducted to investigate learning outcomes amongst university students in one university in Hong Kong based on a four-year longitudinal design (N = 460). Four dimensions of student general education learning outcomes were measured, including effective reasoning and problem solving, leadership, moral character, and integration of learning. Results suggested a U-shaped pattern of student learning outcomes for most dimensions, with no improvement or even a decrement in the second year and a steady growth thereafter. While family background did not affect student development, gender showed a significant moderating effect on students’ development in two dimensions (i.e., effective reasoning and problem solving, and integration of learning). These findings suggest that students benefit from general education-embedded university study in multiple dimensions, especially after the first year of transition period. Practical implications of the findings and future research directions were also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu Yu & Daniel T. L. Shek & Xiaoqin Zhu, 2019. "General Education Learning Outcomes and Demographic Correlates in University Students in Hong Kong," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(5), pages 1165-1182, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:14:y:2019:i:5:d:10.1007_s11482-018-9645-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-018-9645-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yunmiao Yu & Xiuxian Yang & Yanjie Yang & Lu Chen & Xiaohui Qiu & Zhengxue Qiao & Jiawei Zhou & Hui Pan & Bo Ban & Xiongzhao Zhu & Jincai He & Yongqing Ding & Bing Bai, 2015. "The Role of Family Environment in Depressive Symptoms among University Students: A Large Sample Survey in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Daniel Shek & Li Lin, 2014. "Personal Well-Being and Family Quality of Life of Early Adolescents in Hong Kong: Do Economic Disadvantage and Time Matter?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 117(3), pages 795-809, July.
    3. Frasquilho, Diana & de Matos, Margarida Gaspar & Gaspar, Tânia & Caldas de Almeida, J.M., 2016. "Young people's well-being and the economic crisis: How does parental unemployment and family wealth affect the downturn experience?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 219-222.
    4. Daniel Shek & Cecilia Ma, 2010. "Dimensionality of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analyses," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 98(1), pages 41-59, August.
    5. Tricia A. Seifert & Benjamin Gillig & Jana M. Hanson & Ernest T. Pascarella & Charles F. Blaich, 2014. "The Conditional Nature of High Impact/Good Practices on Student Learning Outcomes," The Journal of Higher Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 85(4), pages 531-564, July.
    6. Daniel T. L. Shek & Li Lin, 2016. "What Predicts Adolescent Delinquent Behavior in Hong Kong? A Longitudinal Study of Personal and Family Factors," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 129(3), pages 1291-1318, December.
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