IMPARTS OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON STUDENTS

BY: OLAMIDE AKINWUMI

 “All study no play makes Jack a dumb boy ” – This is a perfect statement for those who think extracurricular activities are no good while studying.

“Not all students can equally score great in academic work. Similarly, it is important to make them feel like they are capable of doing something.” Akinwumi Olamide 2021.

A student should study well but not focus only on it, rather he should also participate in other extracurricular activities.

THE CONCEPT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are the activities which do not fall under the school or college curriculum but helps in developing the skills and abilities of students. An extracurricular activity is that activity which does not relate to the professional life based on degrees. These extra activities are more beneficial when the children are enrolled in it sooner based on their interests.

For example, these activities play an important role in shaping and directing the passion and interest of the students, apart from the degree courses.

Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education

By taking part you'll build long-lasting friendships and connections, meet students from different backgrounds, and gain transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, problem solving and time management. It will also improve your confidence.

SOME OF THE  EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE:

·        Student Government(UNIONISM)

·        Cultural Clubs

·        Academic Teams and Clubs

·        Volunteer Work

·        Debate group

·        Student Newspaper

·        Arts club

• English society
• Sports
• Entrepreneurship
• Robotics
• Tutoring

·        Part-time Job

·        Internships

·        Athletics

LET US LOOK AT A FEW EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BENEFITS.

1. Time management is the key to success:

Time management has always been the #1 problem in the lives of many people. However, there are a few people who manage time like a pro. As a fact, they take time management as a key to success.

Various successful people have opted for extracurricular activities, which benefited them in learning time management. With extracurricular activities in the schedule of the students, they not only enhance the inborn talent but also learn the “how’s” and “when’s” which refers to prioritizing things.

Time management requires the capability of opting to work important things first with efficiency. Thus, extracurricular activities are the best practices that enable students to manage time effectively.

2. Self-exploration with the diversity of talents:

Piano lessons, violin lessons, singing, western-style dancing, writing, classical dancing, skating, ice skating, skateboarding, cheerleading, sports activities, etc are some of the extracurricular activities that high schoolers opt for.

If you are an observant person, you must have noticed that these talents have great diversity. The amount of variety provides options that are more diverse. This gives the perfect platform to students to understand and explore themselves.

Tertiary institution is the learning therefore, Self-discoveries can prepare them to face the challenges in their lives.

3. Enhances the ability to fulfill commitments:

The ability to hold on to a commitment is as important as making a commitment in the first place.

Today’s corporate sectors require candidates who are committed to their career and promise an outstanding development for the company within the company. Thus, it is important for today’s generation to develop the ability to fulfill its commitments.

Extracurricular activity is the best method to develop this ability. The students dedicate their time and manage to complete both the school work as well as the activity work. This helps them on the longer run.

4. Personal growth and development:

Have you ever noticed those children who adorably take care of their friends?

How do you think they started thinking about someone else?

They developed that attitude gradually with time. However, you can accelerate the learning of this attitude by enrolling your child in extracurricular activities.

In extracurricular activities, they get a chance to be involved in the group with their peers. Moreover, they learn sharing and caring, all at once.

5. Improves the confidence and esteem of the students:

Recent studies show that teenagers face a lack of confidence when they feel that they are good at nothing.

Not all students can equally score great in academic work. Similarly, it is important to make them feel like they are capable of doing something.

Academic grades are not the end of the world. They need to realize that they are talented. This is only possible when you enroll them in an extracurricular activity of their choice. This will not only boost the self-confidence but also build their esteem.

Moreover, working on something of their choice gives them the opportunity to master their talent. So, the purpose of extracurricular activities is to bring out the hidden unique talent of the child.

There are innumerable benefits of participating in extracurricular activities. Although the negative points might never outnumber the importance of extracurricular activities, one should not neglect the bane of such.

Disadvantages of Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities are the best way to enhance the learning experience of school-going students. Schools, nowadays, provide various opportunities for the students to enhance their talents.

However, the disadvantages of extracurricular activities includes the followings:

·       Time management and commitments.

·       Conscious or unconscious denial of priorities:

·       Too many schedules in short time:

·       Tiredness and frustration:

·       Extra expenses in the schedule

Extracurricular activities are vital and essential for the better development of the children/students. Moreover, even studies have proved the role of extracurricular activities in education creates a positive change in the students. It reduces the number of dropouts from the school, also lessens the odds of criminal offenses. Moreover, it indirectly gives an appropriate mindset that helps in focusing on the betterment of one.

Moreover, the drawbacks also have loops in them, which enable you to create a solution against it. It is an overall solution to the various problems faced by the children. Also, it is a perfect ‘trial and error‘ learning ground for the learners.