Extracurricular activities and their effect on the students grade point average: Statistical study

Abstract

Extracurricular activities (ECA) are part of students' everyday life; they play important roles in student's lives. Few studies have addressed the question of how student engagements to ECA affect student's grade point average (GPA). This research was conducted to know whether the students' grade point average in King Abdulaziz University, Faisaliah campus is affected by their participation in the ECA. This study also studied the students' satisfaction on ECA. The study sample includes 239 students chosen via simple random sampling method. The study used inferential statistics to analyze this study design. To achieve the purpose of this study, a questionnaire (comprising 19 questions) was designed. The results showed that participation in ECA affects the students' GPA in a positive way. The study found that those who participated in ECA have higher GPA than those who did not; the study also found that the time spent participating in ECA did not affect the time students usually spend on studying (the result showed there wasn't any relationship between them). Furthermore, the study showed that students, based on faculty, are generally satisfied with the available extracurricular activities in the campus.

A Critical Consideration of Environmental Literacy: Concepts, Contexts, and Competencies

“…In addition, for the development of environmental literacy, it is crucial to be aware of the importance of ECA, such as visiting web sites of environmental organizations, participating in environmental clubs, visiting science and art museums, and taking field trips. ECA not only have a positive effect on achievement at different academic levels [40,[46][47][48], but also promote student passions, skills, cooperation, and communication with their peers [38,39]. The educational interventions can effectively enhance environmental behavior [76].…”

“…ECA provides opportunities for students to develop their motivations (such as moral and cognitive attitudes) and skills, as well as to collaborate and communicate with their peers [38,39]. Students who participate in ECA have a chance to gain self-confidence and independence [40]. Moreover, ECA have a positive effect on environmental literacy [41].…”

“…The experiences gained from ECA contribute to the social progress and individual development of the students [44]. Even though all activities that take place in out-of-classroom settings are not beneficial for student success [45], ECA have an overall positive effect on academic success at different academic levels (both school and university level) [40,[46][47][48].…”

Assessment of Pageantries: Learning or Enjoying?

“…Students who have the potential in performing activities tend to perform better at school [6]. Those who participated in extracurricular activities had significant increases in their overall performances, specifically their GPA compared to nonparticipants [7]. Participating in extracurricular activities can benefit the student/child's lives instead of ruining it [8].…”

Extracurricular Activities at Modern Russian University: Student and Faculty Views

“…At present, serious qualitative and quantitative research has been carried out, and a positive connection between the level of academic achievement and the involvement of the student in extracurricular activities has been concluded (Bakoban & Aljarallah, 2015;Zacherman & Foubert, 2014;Strapp & Farr, 2010). The influence of extracurricular activities on the ability to find employment and professional adaptability (extracurricular short-and long-term effects on employability) is analyzed in Clark et al, 2015. A number of Russian and foreign publications discuss the role of extracurricular activities in the process of multi-cultural education, the development of the ability to intercultural interaction in future specialists, and tolerant perception of social and cultural differences (Cheng & Zhao, 2006;Musaev, 2014;Logvinova, 2016).…”