The Assistance Component of the Work Program of U.P. Integrated School: A Qualitative Evaluation

Abstract

Thematic analysis of data gathered through formal and informal interviews, focus group discussion, analysis of documents, triangulation, and member check­ing showed that the program provided the students with experience to develop special interests, skills and values while rendering services to the school. All students of the Assistance Component agreed that the program was a learning gain. The students, learning coordinators, cooperating persons, and alumni perceived the program orientation as an adequate means to enhance student awareness of the program goals. The students' understand­ing of the program was manifested through their output and attitude towards the assigned tasks. Some students greatly enjoyed doing these tasks while others experienced dissatisfaction. The problems generally encountered were conflict of schedule between the students and their cooperating persons, lack of awareness of the goals and expectations of the Work Program, and lack of proper attitude and prerequisite skills among the students.