A Device and Method for Measuring and Classifying Activity Interests of Pupils and Teachers for the Purpose of Formulating and Administering a Club Program for Fifth and Sixth Grades

Abstract

Historically, school administrators did not consider students’ expressed interests when creating school club programs. This research explores the challenges in developing extracurricular club activities, as well as their sociological and educational implications. The author focuses his studies on fifth and sixth grade club members. First, the author outlines the current teacher-dominated method for defining and establishing extracurricular clubs. Then the author used a formal Interest Inventory survey with students and teachers to establish their interest level in a number of activities, including music, arts and crafts, government and service activities, and physical activities/sports. Ultimately, the author found that differences in age did not affect interest level in various activities, though gender differences were noted. The researcher points out that clubs are most successful when the interests of adult leaders and child participants converge, and suggests that students and teachers be surveyed for these interests in the initial stages of club planning.