Connectedness, potential career exploration, work habits, and talent development in Grade 5 primary students in Hong Kong.

Abstract

OVERVIEW AND METHODS: This paper reports results from focus group interviews and a survey of Grade 5 primary school students in Hong Kong. AIMS: The purpose of the study was to understand the meaning of connectedness and to assess primary students’ connectedness to parents, teachers and peers. The students’ levels of self-efficacy in applying life skills across the domains of career exploration, work habits and talent development were also assessed. Level of connectedness and self-efficacy in applying life skills were then analysed in relation to salient student characteristics. RESULTS: Findings indicated that the students perceive themselves to possess positive efficacy in applying life skills across the three domains. Girls appear more confident than boys in their own ability to develop positive work habits and to acquire other skills necessary to foster their talent development. CONCLUSIONS: The findings also indicated that connectedness is associated significantly with students’ self-efficacy in applying life skills in all areas. Implications for counselling professionals and administrators in Hong Kong primary schools are discussed.