Theoretical frameworks guiding extracurricular activity research 1.1 Ecological systems theory Research on extracurricular activities has long relied on Bronfenbrenner’s ecologi- cal systems theory (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006), which recognizes the embed- dedness of different ecological systems in producing development. Gender Gaps Alter Benefits of Extracurricular Activities, Study Finds We often overlook the potential value of participation in extracurricular activities and the transformational benefits that it can have on student development. It can be difficult to fight off this sluggishness and summon the will to begin homework assignments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not the activities in which junior high school students choose to participate have an effect on their academic performance. Andrew Slater, the associate head of school at GEMS, says that extracurricular involvement can also help strengthen the school community. Equally important, extracurriculars can provide profound social advantages. Ralph McNeal (1995) showed that different kinds of activities have varying abilities to control school dropout rates. They contribute significantly to the improvement of grades, to learning various skills, to garnering a sense of commitment, and to increasing one’s social circle. As parents, we tend to compartmentalize education and extracurricular activities as two separate entities that do not interrelate. Research supports that notion. Numerous extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future occupation. For example, let’s say you’re really good at maths and your teacher encourages you to get involved in competitions. This gives you an advantage when it comes to studying and taking exams. . It also gives you the chance to explore you're passions to discover things you may be interested beyond academics while taking some time off hitting the book. The more you achieve success through activities you’re passionate about, the more your self confidence will improve. 3. More than 80% of youth participate in extracurricular activities (Fredricks, 2011, p. 379). Parents or grandparents might fear that participating in extracurriculars will mean less time for their loved ones' homework and studying. When you participate in multiple different activities, you’ll get the opportunity to explore a range of interests and unlock passions you never knew you had! It enriches the experience they have here at school.". As a result, they're frequently more comfortable with their communication and leadership abilities. (Massoni, 2011). High school is a time for exploration, and extracurricular activities … It’s pretty much impossible to get into any university in the US or UK without extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities began in the United States in the 19th century. Although you probably already participate in activities outside of school, take the time to think about the benefits of extracurricular activities and how to maximise your passions. The report, “A Child’s Day,” found that 42 percent of children who took lessons were highly engaged compared to 33 percent of children who did not. Academics play a significant role in shaping a student’s life, but these extracurricular activities are also crucial for students. Extracurricular activities are activities that fall outside the scope of your regular curriculum. Being involved in extracurricular activities offers important opportunities for adolescent development (Blomfield & Raising Academic and Social Skills. Andrew Slater, the associate head of school at GEMS, says that extracurricular involvement can also help strengthen the school community. In fact, extracurricular activities and leadership account for about 30% of your application! Education, Lots of studies have been conducted on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance, and they all show that students who participate in them have higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school and higher academic aspirations. Each and every step will teach you a new skill you can use for the rest of your life. Extracurricular activities require a regular time commitment and initiative such as being on a sports team, forming a student newspaper, playing the violin in the local orchestra or taking an online course on robotics. Pros and Cons of Extracurricular Activities Students are not only taught on all those subjects that are necessary to be learned. However, students involved in such programs typically earn higher grades and higher scores on standardized tests. An Arts Education Boosts Both Brain Power and Behavior. Passion: You truly care about your extracurricular activities and aren’t doing them just to get into uni. Without much previous work experience, one of the only ways hiring managers can assess your ability and work ethic is through your extracurricular activities. Crimson provides students with a database of ECL opportunities offered by both students and mentors worldwide. Paying for college can be a lot, but extracurriculars … 1. They help students explore their passions and career interests. Think about it this way: if you join a philosophy club you’ll begin to look at the world through the eyes of a budding philosopher. This includes positions in tech, health, the communityand more! She believesthat such participation ismost beneficialfor high risk youth. Extracurricular participation plays an important role in positive youth development. We often overlook the potential value of participation in extracurricular activities and the transformational benefits that it can have on student development. A quick note if you’re considering the US study path: US colleges want to see very specific things from your extracurricular activities. Nobody expects you to have your career path … It investigates how students engage in ECA. The lessons you’ll learn from participating in meaningful extracurricular activities will help you with everything from getting a job, to applying to universities overseas, to just living your life. © 2021 GEMS World Academy Chicago. The benefits of extracurricular activities is extensive. All of this makes one’s academic experience fulfilling and enriching. These activities can work wonders for students' emotional development. Understanding factors that contribute to students' success is of great interest to educators. The extracurricular activities have shown several positive advantages in recent research and studies from teaching them socialization and team skills to stress management and health benefits. admin That being said, US universities don’t limit you to just one passion so if you want to study science but also love filmmaking, taking part in activities such as scriptwriting, directing your own films, international film competitions, holding movie nights to raise money for an environmental science cause you care about and being the president of the science club on campus will immensely increase your chances of getting into your dream university. Often, the relationships developed on sports teams or other activities prove to be lifelong friendships. Research indicates that participation in extracurricular activities affects students’ academic performance. More specifically, studies have been conducted assessing the effects of specific extracurricular activities on academic performance. Take the much needed break, you deserve it! Extracurricular sports or after school athletic activities provide opportunities for children and adolescents to play soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, basketball, and various other sports at beginner, intermediate, and competitive levels. Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admissions support company specialising in helping students gain entry to some of the world’s most competitive universities. An Arts Education Boosts Both Brain Power and Behavior. Douglas Reeves studied data at Woodstock High School and found students who were in three or four extracurricular activities during the year had dramatically better grades than those who participated in no extracurricular activities. Our holistic approach provides support across all areas of the US and UK university application process. Nobody expects you to have your career path completely nailed down by the time you apply for college. show how the development of each one benefits students, and demonstrate how participation in extracurricular activities develops the asset. The researchers strongly believe that involvement in extracurricular activities may support the at-risk student by maintaining, enhancing, and strengthening the student-school connection. In fact, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation has released a study indicating that kids who get involved in after-school programs are less prone to depression and less likely to have disciplinary problems at school. A recent study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows the positive relationship between physical activity and overall mental health. Although that sounds like a lot, extracurricular activities are even more important to US universities. Similarly, someone who participates in student elections might start to follow state and national politics. A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. schoolbased extracurricularactivities had a stronger effect on academic achievement. So go join a club, start an online class or volunteer. Plus, diversifying your interests subsequently broadens your world view. In some, it is required for students to have at least one extracurricular activity they can be part of. Plus, if you make friends in your extracurricular activities, you’ll be more likely to get more deeply involved. On top of all of the benefits of extracurricular activities we already talked about, one of the greatest advantages extracurricular activities give you are “real world” skills. Better Social Skills. Similarly, engaging with new people in a productive environment helps to strengthen independence and confidence in children. A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. A new study finds that extracurricular activities have differing positive effects for rural boys compared to girls. Participating in extracurricular activities has positive effects on students’ success. When you participate in multiple different activities, you’ll get the opportunity to explore a range of interests and unlock passions you never knew you had! Despite the considerable value of participation in extracurricular activities for students in ECA studies, it is not common to find the views of students about them. Longevity: You stick with one type of activity rather than joining a new activity every week and quitting one every other week. 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