- Title
- Investigating the impact of participation in alternative education from a positive youth development perspective : A case study of the School for Student Leadership
- Creator
- Joyce, Susan
- Date
- 2018
- Type
- Text; Thesis; PhD
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/165522
- Identifier
- vital:13300
- Identifier
- https://library.federation.edu.au/record=b2787392
- Abstract
- The School for Student Leadership (SSL) has existed since 2001 as an alternative residential educational setting for Year 9 students in Victoria, Australia. It was designed in response to growing calls for more effective ways of engaging middle school students. A review of the literature illustrated a dearth of research regarding alternative programs and schools, particularly from a positive youth development (PYD) perspective, and relating to long term effects of participation. This study investigated student participants’ perceived development in relation to the Five Cs - Confidence, Competence, Character, Connection and Care, concepts derived from the framework of PYD. It also examined differences in perceptions of students attending a shorter five-week program, compared to the standard nine-week program, as well as differences between male and female participants. This case study was undertaken utilising a mixed methods approach, using pre and post program surveys and interviews. Between 2013 and 2014, 385 students were surveyed and 58 interviews conducted over nine program offerings. The participants were then followed up one year post program, with 172 surveys returned and 14 interviews conducted. With the assistance of computer software programs, both the quantitative and qualitative data was analysed and then triangulated to form the findings. Participants’ ratings for each of the Five Cs were higher at the end of the program, and effect sizes, though generally small, when combined with the qualitative data indicated the program as having a significant positive impact, although this diminished slightly one year post program. Little discernible difference was found between the five- and the nine-week programs, and only slight differences between the two genders. The set of recommendations that emanated from this research should be of assistance for both the SSL and other schools, particularly in relation to enhancing attributes such as the Five Cs.; Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- Federation University Australia
- Rights
- Copyright © Sue Joyce (2018). Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this thesis may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the author.
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Alternative education; School for Student Leadership (SSL); Positive youth development; Five Cs; Confidence; Competence; Character; Connection; Care
- Full Text
- Thesis Supervisor
- Phunkett, Margaret
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