A study of the attitudes of English teachers and students toward the use of commercially prepared literature study guides : in selected Tennessee high schools

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine to what extent high school students actually make use of commercially prepared study guides for literature and (2) to determine what high school English teachers feel are the advantages and disadvantages of students' using the guides.

By use of two questionnaires, data were obtained from English teachers attending meetings of two professional organizations for English teachers and from twelfth grade students in six selected East Tennessee high schools. Included in the student sample were seniors from two high schools from rural areas, two schools from a suburban area, and two schools from an inner-city area. Such distinctions were made to determine whether the type of school students attended had any effect on their familiarity with, or use of, commercial study guides. Data were compiled by proper divisions, tabulations formulated, and analysis made by number, percentage, and descriptions.

It was found that teachers' attitudes toward student use of the guides are inconsistent. Teachers seem unsure whether students' use of the guides is beneficial or detrimental. It was also found that availability is the primary factor affecting students' familiarity with and uses for commercial study guides. Suburban area students are the most frequent users of the study guides. Rural area students are the least familiar with the study guides. It was also determined that type of school students attend--rural, suburban, or inner-city--is not a factor in their attitudes toward the use of study guides.