“Recess” in the Eyes of Primary School Students: Cyprus Case

This study aims to describe what recess is like in the eyes of primary school children. At the basis of the literature of the study, the focus was on the notion of free time, and free time notion was explained based on the Planned Behavior Theory. A mixed research approach is used in the study, from both qualitative and quantitative aspects. In the qualitative dimension, students were asked to express what they understood from recess through using metaphors. In the quantitative dimension, “Leisure Satisfaction Scale”, developed by Beard and Ragheb, and adapted to Turkish in 2001, was used. Responses given by students to this scale were analyzed and their level of satisfaction during recess periods was identified. This research was performed at a primary school of the North Cyprus Ministry of National Education during the 2016–2017 academic year, selected in accordance with purposive sampling. A total of 190 students attending the 5th grade in this school constituted the study group of the research. Students consider recess as more of a time for enjoyment, game, and fun, but think it ends too soon. On the other hand, they stated that they achieved satisfaction socially, especially during recess, but, on the contrary, it was observed that their psychological satisfaction stayed at a lower level. A conclusion was also reached that certain variables (having a monitoring teacher, especially during recess periods) affected level of satisfaction of students during recess. In conclusion, based on the findings of this research, it should be stated that both teachers and school administrators have responsibility in enhancing the psychological satisfaction level of students especially during recess periods. It can be said that it will be possible to raise other satisfaction levels (physical, aesthetic, social, etc.) of students by enhancing their psychological satisfaction levels during recess.