Views from a school bus window : stories of the children who ride
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Date
2004
Authors
Robbins, Lorraine
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2004
Abstract
Everyday, hundreds of students in rural areas of Alberta and other parts of Canada start
their day by boarding a big yellow school bus, the vehicle that transports them to and
from school. For them, their school day begins and ends with a bus ride. For many, the
ride is lengthy. This study presents qualitative research that forms a profile of what
concerns students about their bus rides. 62 children from ages 5 to 18 were interviewed to
determine what they thought about riding the school bus and what social, psychological
and intellectual implications exist for these children. Seven major themes emerged
through the interviews: boredom, safety, relationships, community bonding, student
behaviour and attitudes, medical concerns, and student responsibilities. Writing their
stories, and stories from my memories of riding the bus, is part of the action research
involved in this project; a textual reflection on lived experiences. Most of the stories
related to at least one theme, and many stories included several of the themes.
Recommendations for ways of improving bus rides include collaboration between all
educational partners, placing another adult on each bus, and better and varied training for
drivers enabling them to be more skilled in relating to the children.
Description
vii, 123 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
School children -- Transportation -- Alberta -- Attitudes , School children -- Transportation -- Alberta -- Social aspects , School children -- Transportation -- Alberta -- Psychological aspects , School buses -- Alberta -- Social aspects , School buses -- Alberta -- Psychological aspects