The purpose of this study is to examine effects of leisure education programs for fifth graders on their leisure attitudes and leisure satisfaction. Accordingly, this study composed, designed, and implemented a leisure education program proper for the...
The purpose of this study is to examine effects of leisure education programs for fifth graders on their leisure attitudes and leisure satisfaction. Accordingly, this study composed, designed, and implemented a leisure education program proper for the target students. Then, this study verified the effects of the program on elementary school students' leisure attitudes and leisure satisfaction.
A total of 32 fifth graders of B Elementary School in B Metropolitan City were randomly sampled as the subject of this study and 16 subjects were assigned to an experimental group and a control group respectively. The leisure education program was applied to the experimental group and the results of the application were treated. The results showed statistically significant differences in leisure attitudes and leisure satisfaction.
First, in terms of leisure attitudes, a paired t-test for the experimental groups' leisure attitudes before and after the application of the program showed significant differences in cognitive and affective domains. In a behavioral domain the post-test indicated the high mean, which was not statistically significant.
On the other hand, the result of a paired t-test for the control group's leisure attitudes and leisure satisfaction was not statistically significant in cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains.
These results suggested that the application of the leisure activities- and experiences-centered program would influence the students' changes in their attitudes. In addition, these results showed that reflection on leisure through reports about leisure activities and interaction through conversation and discussion increased the students' leisure attitudes.
Second, in terms of leisure satisfaction, the result of a paired t-test for the experimental group which applied the leisure education program indicated significant differences in psychological, educational, social, recreational, physical, and aesthetic leisure satisfaction.
The result of a paired t-test for the control group which did not apply the leisure education program showed no statistically significant difference in all the six domains.
These results suggested that the students' satisfaction was increased through their participation in the leisure education program and feelings of free and delightful classes. In addition, since the program was not a usual program all students participated in but a special program implemented after school or on Saturdays when schools were closed, the students who participated in the program might feel satisfaction with distinction from those who did not participate in the program.
Thus, this study would contribute to finding a direction of more progressive and experimental leisure education. Based on the results of this study, suggestions were made as the following:
First, in accordance with an increases in the general awareness of leisure, it is necessary to make environment proper for elementary students to shape appropriate leisure attitudes. In escaping from stress and limitations caused by activities in restricted areas of schools and homes, there has been a better understanding of roles of leisure. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the necessity of leisure education and conduct studies continually.
Second, it is required to develop diverse leisure education programs for the purpose of increasing leisure satisfaction and to invigorate useful programs after school and on Saturdays. Moreover, it is necessary to implement proper leisure services in formal education by establishing close relations with leisure service providers in communities and doing research and development jointly.
In the future, it is required to conduct in-depth studies on leisure education for elementary school students from more diverse perspectives than this study did and to study further so as to develop practical programs.
(http://www.riss.kr/search/detail/DetailView.do?p_mat_type=be54d9b8bc7cdb09&control_no=233c403f661b8640ffe0bdc3ef48d419)