School times and reading

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the presence of reading as a leisure activity of young Spanish students, participating in Upper (not-compulsory) Secondary Education. The relationship between the frequency of leisure reading and the sociodemographic variables of the sample and its implications on academic context (performance, study time and experience classes) was analysed. One thousand seven hundred and sixty-four Spanish students participated through a questionnaire about school time and leisure time. Results indicated that reading as a leisure activity is not widespread among these youngsters. Reader profile: a girl who is studying at high school reads 1 or 2 times a week and spends 75 minutes each time. Students who spend more time reading have better grades, but do not spend more time studying. The frequency of leisure reading is linked to a more critical view of the educational system because students who read more, perceive that more time is spent on traditional methodologies and less on hands-on approaches that enhance their autonomy and initiative.