participation-extracurricularactivities

=**EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES**= BY Ashley Peterson

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School systems all over America are working to raise the achievement of their students. extra curricular activities are one of the most carried out practices among schools. The question has been raised as to whether or not extra curricular activities provide academic benefit to the participants.===== (Broh, 2002) Why it is important to college students? Participating helps people learn social skills and how to work in teams. It also provides them with a sense of community. Participation in extra curricular activities looks good on college and job applications.

__Study__
This correlational study was an examination of students’ grade point averages in relation to participation in after school sponsored activities. The sample consisted of 111 students from three different eighth grade classes. Students’ GPAs were recorded along with whether or not they participated in extracurricular activities, including athletics and extra academic opportunities. Student gender was also included in the analysis. The activities included football, basketball, golf, track, wrestling, volleyball, swing choir, jazz band, and forensics. A two-way Analysis of Variance was used to examine the relationship between gender, extracurricular participation, and their interaction with GPA. As expected, extracurricular participation showed a significant relationship with GPA for both male and female students. The correlational evidence found showed students’ participation was associated with a higher GPA. In the male group, 66 students participated in the study and 42 of them participated in activities. In the female group, 43 students participated in the study and 29 of them participated in activities. " All three schools used a 12 point grading scale (10-12=A, 7-9= B, 4-6=C, 1-3=D). The mean G.P.A. for participants was 8.75 (SD = 8.750) and 7.62 (SD = 7.672) for non participants. Gender had a significant effect on G.P.A., F(1,105) = 11.854, p = 0.001. The mean was 9.266 for females (SD = 9.2660) and 7.794 for males (SD = 2.340)."

(Schlesser, 2004)

__**Types of Activities**__
Studies have shown high school students’ participation in sports activities improve confidence, develop future aspirations, and assist with creating a higher academic achievement through positive attitudes. Most high schools and colleges offer a variety of athletic programs, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc.
 * **Sports**





Almost every college and high school have an student body government. This group is a voice for the student body to address issues before the high school or college. Many schools offer art programs, this includes band, choir, drama, theatre and art clubs. Joining art programs or musical groups can be a way for students to relieve stress and show their creativity.
 * **Student Government**
 * ====**Arts**====



Students participate in academic organizations such as National Honor Society or FBLA. One advantage of joining these organizations is networking with working peers interested in the same field. Chapters can also be recognized regionally and nationally.
 * ====**Academic Organizations**====



**__How to Find Activities__**
To start search at your school. teacher or the principal what options are available there. Consult with your friends and family to decide what is best for you. Search online to find afterschool programs. Also check out community resources such as: When you visit, look for:
 * community and recreation centers
 * places of worship
 * museums libraries
 * the local YMCA
 * Boys and Girls Club
 * 4-H
 * At least one adult for every 12 children
 * Whether there any "hidden" costs, such as for uniforms, costumes, or equipment
 * Friendly, enthusiastic staff or coaches
 * A space clean, safe, and spacious enough for the activity. Make sure there is enough equipment for everyone
 * An organized environment
 * Happy participants



__**Benefits**__
Students who Participate in extra curricular activities tend to: (Burgess, 2013)
 * Have better grades
 * Have higher test scores (like the SAT and ACT)
 * Have higher educational attainment
 * Attend school more regularly
 * Have higher self-concepts
 * Learn time management skills
 * Make and keep long term commitments
 * Make a contribution to the community

__**Video on Extra Curricular Activities**__
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Economic status is also linked to participation in activities. This graph shows how kids from different neighborhoods have different participation rates.

WORKS CITED

Broh, B. (2002). Linking Extracurricular Programming to Academic Achievement: Who Benefits and Why?. //Sociology of Education//, //75//(1), 70. Schlesser, C. (2004). The Correlation between Extracurricular Activities and Grade Point Average of Middle School Students. 5-24. Graves, C. (n.d.). Current Events and Trends in Education. //Team Sports Activity and Academic Achievement//. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://achievingresults.info/2013/01/23/team-sports-activity-and-academic-achievement/ Davis, S. (2010, December 4). Types of Extracurricular Activities. //eHow//. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/list_7600102_types-extracurricular-activities.html Burgess, J. (2013). Extracurricular School Activities and the Benefits. //Homeschooling Education Learning and Reading Resources//. Retrieved December 2, 2013, from http://education.more4kids.info/168/extracurricular-school-activities/ Best Bets for After School. (n.d.). //Scholastic.com//. Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/extracurricular-activities/best-bets-after-school