Investigating Students' Leisure-Time Reading Preferences in Upper Primary Classrooms in Fiji

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Investigating Students' Leisure-Time Reading Preferences in Upper Primary Classrooms in Fiji
Language: English
Authors: Khemendra Kamal Kumar (ORCID 0000-0003-3216-5670), Satish Prakash Chand (ORCID 0000-0003-4260-071X), Runaaz Ali (ORCID 0000-0002-9738-4092), Subashni Lata Kumar (ORCID 0000-0003-1228-5878)
Source: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. 2025 17(4):519-528.
Availability: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 7
Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Grade 8
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Recreational Reading, Preferences, Reading Material Selection, Grade 7, Grade 8, Story Reading, Newspapers, Periodicals, Electronic Publishing, Religion, Literary Genres, Authors, Student Interests
Geographic Terms: Fiji
ISSN: 1307-9298
Abstract: This quantitative study investigated upper primary school students' leisure time reading preferences in Fiji. A structured questionnaire was administered to 92 students in Years 7 and 8 of a select school in western Fiji. The findings revealed that the majority of students engaged in leisure reading, with storybooks being the most preferred reading material, followed by newspapers, magazines, online materials and religious texts. Adventure stories emerged as the most popular subgenre, and horror, comedy, romance, and suspense were also preferred by students. The study identified specific titles and authors that captured the students' interest, with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series being the most popular. These findings challenge the notion that students do not read during their leisure time and highlight the importance of promoting and supporting reading habits among young learners. The study has significant implications for teachers, parents, and policymakers in promoting literacy and cultivating a love for reading. Teachers can accommodate students' diverse interests by incorporating a variety of reading materials and genres into educational settings. Parents can encourage reading at home by providing access to books and modelling positive reading habits. Policymakers can support literacy initiatives by investing in well-stocked libraries and promoting community-based reading programmes. By understanding and nurturing students' reading preferences, stakeholders can create an environment that encourages lifelong learning and enhances overall academic achievement.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1481575
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This quantitative study investigated upper primary school students' leisure time reading preferences in Fiji. A structured questionnaire was administered to 92 students in Years 7 and 8 of a select school in western Fiji. The findings revealed that the majority of students engaged in leisure reading, with storybooks being the most preferred reading material, followed by newspapers, magazines, online materials and religious texts. Adventure stories emerged as the most popular subgenre, and horror, comedy, romance, and suspense were also preferred by students. The study identified specific titles and authors that captured the students' interest, with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series being the most popular. These findings challenge the notion that students do not read during their leisure time and highlight the importance of promoting and supporting reading habits among young learners. The study has significant implications for teachers, parents, and policymakers in promoting literacy and cultivating a love for reading. Teachers can accommodate students' diverse interests by incorporating a variety of reading materials and genres into educational settings. Parents can encourage reading at home by providing access to books and modelling positive reading habits. Policymakers can support literacy initiatives by investing in well-stocked libraries and promoting community-based reading programmes. By understanding and nurturing students' reading preferences, stakeholders can create an environment that encourages lifelong learning and enhances overall academic achievement.
ISSN:1307-9298