Evaluating School Bag for the First Three Primary Grades

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating school bag for the first three primary grades. To achieve this aim, the study followed the mixed research design (qualitative& quantitative research). Three questionnaires were constructed for students; their parents; and for teachers. In-depth interviews were conducted with teachers, students, parents and with different categories of local society who were dealing with and affected by the school bags. The results of the study revealed that the standards related to school bag were significantly violated. The study showed that school bags carried by Jordanian students were very heavy. Almost (63%) of the students carried bags weighing more than (20%) of their body mass. More than (60%) of the students had negative attitudes towards school. Furthermore, over (30%) of the students sample experienced bodily pain in their shoulders and backs due to carrying of school bags. The study recommended that back bag weight should be limited to no more than (10%) of the child's body mass. Students, teachers, and parents should be aware of the risks of back bag on students' health, and it is important to recognize the right way of carrying bag school through formal program evaluation based mainly on consumer and decision-making evaluation approach to achieve school bags quality assurance standards. (No of words: 162).