Effect of over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities on the academic achievement of secondary school students

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities on the academic achievement of the secondary school students.

Design/methodology/approach – All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to students of 10^th class of Govt. High School Khurram (Karak). Fifty students from class 10^th were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. The study was experimental in nature and therefore, “Pre-test-Post-test Equivalent Groups Design” was used. The students of experimental group were involved in co-curricular activities for 40 minutes in school and 2 hours after school time. The students of the control group were only involved for 40 minutes in school. Data was collected though pre-test and post-test technique. After collection of data, it was organized, tabulated and analyzed. Statistical tools i.e., mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups were tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test.

Findings – The current research findings indicate that there is significant negative effect of over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities on the academic achievement of the secondary school students.

Originality/value – Past research studies reveal that involvement in co-curricular activities is directly proportional to the achievement level of the students.  There is a strong connection between student’s participation in co-curricular activities and excellent academic performance. The current study negates the findings of past research studies regarding involvement in co-curricular activities and students’ academic achievement.  The current paper shows that how over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities affect the academic achievement of secondary school students negatively. Therefore the findings of this research study will prove more fruitful and productive in strengthening student’s academic achievement at secondary school level.