Impact of training programs on teaching competence and teacher well-being: Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Program in mainland China.

In view of the growing adolescent mental health problems
in mainland China, there is a need to develop prevention
programs to protect young people. As such, implementing
of positive youth development (PYD) programs is a
promising and viable approach. Unfortunately, there are
few positive youth development programs in China, with
the possible exception of Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project.
After the pandemic, we implemented the project in several
provinces in China. To ensure program success, we
conducted systematic training for teachers on a regular
basis. In this paper, we present the evaluation of the
teachers of the training program, particularly the impact of
the program on teacher competence and their well-being.
Quantitative and qualitative findings generally showed
that the majority of the teachers had positive evaluation
of the programs and they regarded the programs to be
important for youth development. They also found the
training programs to be effective in enhancing their
teaching competence, knowledge about the program and
related theories, and positive attitudes towards teaching the
program. Teachers also had reflections showing that the
program helped them develop more positive views about
young people and they saw the Project P.A.T.H.S. as a tool
to foster youth development.