The effect of co-curricular activities on students’ academic achievement in universal secondary education schools in Iganga Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of co-curricular activities on students` academic achievement in Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools in Iganga Municipality in Iganga District. Using a mixed methods approach and across sectional survey research design, the study participants included; 79 students, 4 education officers, 7 headteachers,7 members of Board of governors, 7 former students and 16 teachers. The study examined three research questions; what is the effect of students’ active participation in games and sports on their academic achievement in USE schools in Iganga Municipality?; what is the effect of students’ active participation in games and sports on their academic achievement in science subjects in USE schools in Iganga Municipality?; What is the effect of students’ active participation in games and sports on their academic achievement in arts subjects in USE schools in Iganga Municipality?, and found out that there is a significant positive relationship between active participation in games and sports and students’ academic achievement although over involvement in co- curricular activities negatively impacts on the academic achievement of students. The findings further revealed that there exists a significant positive relationship between active participation in games and sports and students’ academic achievement in science subjects although over involvement in co- curricular activities negatively impacts on their academic achievement. The study findings also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between active participation in games and sports and students’ academic achievement in arts subjects although over involvement in co- curricular activities negatively impacts on their academic achievement. However it slightly differs from the past study findings which revealed that participation in co-curricular activities is directly proportional to the academic achievement of students (Asaba, 2015), the current research revealed that students who are very active in games and sports do not necessarily perform well in academics yet co-curricular activities are supposed to compliment academics. Most active students in games and sports do not perform well in academics because they give more time to co-curricular activities than academics. The study findings led to the conclusion that implementation of co-curricular activities in secondary schools enhances academic achievement of students, however those who are very active in co-curricular activities especially games and sports tend to have low academic achievement. Consequently it is recommended that; there is need to develop awareness of students, parents and other stakeholders of the positive benefits of co-curricular activities to students` academic achievement in science and arts subjects so as to develop a positive attitude towards games and sports; and encourage students to balance their time between co-curricular activities and academic work to enhance their academic achievement.