The role of teachers in youth development: Reflections of students

The purpose of this study was to examine the students' reflections on a subject on leadership and intrapersonal development at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Based on 66 personal reflections collected, the data were analyzed using the "framework analysis" methodology. The respondents generally showed positive attitudes toward the subject and the lecturers, and they perceived that the subject promoted their overall development in different domains. With particular reference to their reflections on the instructors teaching the subject, several emerging themes were identified, including (a) caring and supportive attitude, (b) professional pedagogical arrangements and (c) personal engagements and connections. Exemplars are presented in this paper to support the conclusions. The findings are in line with previous research that teachers play an important role in positive youth development programs.