An examination of the relationship between primary school students' leisure time habits, fulfillment of learning responsibilities, and academic achievement levels

The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between fourth-grade primary school students' academic achievement levels, their leisure time habits, and the degree to which they fulfill their learning responsibilities. The research was conducted using a correlational survey design, which is a subtype of general survey models. The study population consisted of students enrolled in public primary schools in Kocaeli during the 2023–2024 academic year. The sample group, selected through cluster and random sampling methods, included a total of 489 fourth-grade students—246 girls and 243 boys. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Learning Responsibility Scale (LRS), and the Leisure Time Evaluation Scale (LTES). The data were analyzed using arithmetic mean (x̄), standard deviation (SD), independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffé test, and correlation and regression analyses. A significance level of p < .05 was adopted for all tests of difference and association. The first main variable examined in the study is students' academic achievement. It was found that students performed relatively better in Social Studies and less successfully in Mathematics. Moreover, variables such as students' gender, their favorite and most challenging subjects, having a private room or a garden at home, father's occupation and education level, and the mode of transportation to school significantly affected students' academic achievement. The second independent variable is the level of fulfillment of learning responsibilities. The results revealed that students generally performed well in fulfilling their learning responsibilities, though they experienced more difficulties with responsibilities outside the classroom. Significant differences in fulfillment levels were observed based on variables such as gender, favorite and challenging subjects, the subject studied most frequently, number of children at home, having a private room or a garden, the presence of a nearby playground, mother's education level, and mode of transportation to school. The third independent variable is the frequency of participating in leisure time activities. This variable differed significantly by students' gender, favorite and most challenging subjects, number of children at home, place of residence, having a private room or a garden, and their mode of transportation to school. Overall, significant relationships were found among the three main variables, and it was determined that they significantly predicted one another. The findings were discussed in the context of the relevant literature, and several recommendations were offered to education policymakers, teachers, parents, and researchers. Keywords: Academic Achievement, Learning Responsibilities, Leisure Time Habits, Primary School, Fourth Grade