The place of student clubs at elementary schools in the efficient use of leisure

The purpose of the present study is to examine the place of student clubs at elementary schools in the efficient use of leisure.The present study is based on the screening method. Research data have been obtained through literature screening, formal letters received from diverse schools, and a survey carried out by the researcher.The research has been carried out in two steps consisting of a pilot and an actual implementation stage. The pilot implementation was carried out in the spring semester of the school year 2009-2010 with the participation of students (N = 81) attending the 6th, 7th, and 8th classes of official elementary schools bound to the Turkish Ministry of National Education, located in provincial county towns. The actual implementation was carried out in the fall semester of the school year 2010-2011 with the participation of students (N = 1058) attending the 6th, 7th, and 8th classes of official elementary schools bound to the Turkish Ministry of National Education, located in the county towns of Çamlıdere, Evren, Güdül, Haymana, Kalecik, Nallıhan, and Şereflikocahisar in the province of Ankara.Frequency, percentage, arithmetic average, and the mean of arithmetic averages were the techniques that have been engaged for data analysis.The findings obtained as result of this research have shown that the physical opportunities offered by elementary schools suffice to meet the needs of student clubs on a high level; that directors and teachers show sufficient care to ensure that the activities of student clubs are carried out in accordance with the intended purpose; that families and the environment have developed a positive opinion towards the activities of student clubs; that the activities of student clubs, in the positive sense, play a significant role in the efficient use of leisure; and that these activities possess the competence to ensure an efficient use of free time.Key words: Leisure, efficient use of leisure, student clubs, extracurricular activities.