Co-curriculum – a pathway to independent learning
List of Authors
  • Rekha Prakash

Keyword
  • holistic development, co-curricular activities, leadership skills, modernization

Abstract
  • Co-curriculum or extra-curricular activities have become a part of the learning process. However, the implementation may differ in higher learning institutions. Learners participate in such activities and have conflicting views regarding the benefit of planning such activities. This study found that most students (above 89%) enjoy being involved in such activities. However, most of them participate in order to ‘make friends’ and do not perceive such involvement as ‘learning’. Students perceive learning as obtaining a high CGPA. For the learner, taking part in such activities is a way for them to reduce their stress. Despite this perception, students do realize that taking part in such activities do benefit them and does contribute to their holistic development of their ‘soft skills’.

Reference
  • 1. Ahmed, M., Rahman, M. F., Ali, M., Rahman, F., Azad al, M. A. (2019). Effect of extra curricular actitity on student’s academic performance. J. Armed Forces Med. College, Bagladesh, 11(2), 41-46. http://doi:10.1016/j.crbeha.2021.100057. 2. Ajoke, A. R., Shapii, A., and Hassan, K. (2015). Co-curricular activities and achievement in language learning fo secondary school students in Nigeria. ABAC Journal. 35(2), pp 18-31, from: https://www.researchgate.net 3. Burgaz, B. (2008). Employability competences of vocational secondary school. Egitim Arastirmalari-Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 31, 17-34. 4. Darling, N., Caldwell, L. L. & Smith, R. (2017). Participation in school-based extra-curricular activities and adolescent adjustment. Journal Leisure Research, from: https://tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0022216.2005.11950040. 5. Hussin, F., Don, Y., O. F., M. S., Daud, Y., Raman, A. a/l, A., I. H., & Y., M. B. (2014). Co-Curricular Management Practices Among Novice Teachers In Malaysia. Asian Journal of Education and E-Learning, 2(2), from: https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJEEL/article/view/1103 6. Kuan, G., Abdullah, N., Yee, C. K., Ismail, M. Shafei, M. N., & Morris, T. (2019). Co-curricular activities & motives for participating in physical activity among Health Science students at University Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. Malays J. Med Sci., from: https://doi.10.21315/mjms2019.26.1.13. 7. Lakshmi, S.G. (2021). Developing critical thinking skills: A panacea for ESL learning challenges. Academic Letters. Article 211, from: https://doi.org/10.20935/AL211. 8. Mancha, S. A. & Ahmad, A. (2016). Co-curricular activities and its effect on social skills. International Conference on Education and Regional Development 2016 (ICERD 2016), from: https://www.academic.edu/33777339 9. Moseley, D., Baumfield, V. Elliot, J. Gregson, M., Higgins, S., Miller, J., & Newton D.P. (2005). Frameworks for thinking: A handbook for teaching & learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2277/0521848318. 10. Nilai University Course Guide (2021). Nilai University. 11. Rahman, S. R., Asfiul Islam, M., Akash, p. p., Parvin, M., Moon, n. n., and Narin Nur, F. (2021). Effects of co-curricular activities on student’s academeic performance by machine learning. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences 2, from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2021.100057. 12. Tucci, M., Tong, K., Chia, K., & DiVall, M. (2019). Curricular and co-curricular coverage of leadership competencies and the influence of extracurricular engagement on leadership development. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, from: https://www.ajpe.org/content/83/2/6535. 13. Yahya, B. (2004). Integrasi kemahiran”Employability” dalam Program Pendidikan Vokasional Pertanian dan Industri di Malaysia. University Tecnologi Malaysia. 14. Zehner, A. (2011). Co-curricular activities and student learning outcomes. Purdue University. West Lafayette, IN.