Evaluating the quality of undergraduate hospitality, tourism and leisure programmes

In this study, an instrument for measuring the quality of undergraduate programmes in hospitality, tourism and leisure (HTLP) was developed and empirically cross-validated. The study considered how total quality management (TQM) and context-input-process-product (CIPP) perspectives could be integrated to develop the framework, using documentary analysis, focus groups and content validity. Survey responses from 430 full-time teachers were used to verify the instrument for HTLP (IHTLP) via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and six standards, 12 dimensions and 63 indicators were identified. The six standards, in terms of relative importance, are curriculum and instruction; faculty; strategic planning; administrative management; student achievements; and resources. The implications for HTLP are also discussed

Junior high school student needs related to home economics in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

The purposes of the study were to: (1) identify junior high school students' perceptions of the importance of home economics competencies and their perceived levels of performing these competencies, (2) identify home economics needs of junior high school students in Taipei as perceived by students, home economics teachers, and experts, and (3) use the findings to make recommendations to the administrators, policy-makers, and teachers for redefining the junior high home economics curriculum in Taiwan, R.O.C;Home economics needs were assessed by questionnaires with sixty-two statements which reflected competencies expected for each subject matter area. Students, home economics teachers, and experts judged the importance of the competencies. In addition, the students indicated their ability to perform the competencies. A total of 943 students, 156 home economics teachers, and 27 experts responded to the questionnaires;Eleven factors emerged from the factor analysis. Students recognized the importance of the factors, but they were not very able to perform the competencies. Comparisons among perceptions of students, teachers, and experts showed that all groups believed five factors were important. They were family health, resource management, parenting, housing, and family living. The factor that the three groups judged of varying degrees of importance was child development;Within the foods and nutrition, textiles and clothing, leisure time activity, and consumer education factors, all groups placed emphasis on the ability to select and plan rather than the ability to prepare, serve, and do. The areas of handicrafts, cooking, and sewing were judged of least importance by students, teachers, and experts;The eleven factors reflect students', home economics teachers', and experts' perceptions about home economics competencies that are important for junior high school students. During the revision of home economics curriculum for both boys and girls, the eleven factors should be considered and arranged appropriately by grade. Teachers also may need to be aware of gender differences as they plan different kinds of learning activities.</p

兩性教育議題融入九年一貫課程之有效教學策略

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Can a Validated Quality Instrument be Developed for Undergraduate Hospitality, Tourism, and Leisure Programs across Boarders?

This study attempted to develop and cross-validate a transnational instrument for measuring the quality of international hospitality, tourism and leisure programs (HTLPs) from academic perspectives. Survey responses from full-time HTLP teachers in Taiwan (N= 430) and the US (N = 303) were used to verify this instrument via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results identified the instrument consisting six quality standards, 12 dimensions, and 62 indicators, with a significantly better fit than other competing models. The six standards, in terms of relative value attached to each of the dimensions, are faculty, administrative management, curriculum and instruction, student achievements, strategic planning, and resources. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed in the study