Investigating the Relationship Between Student Involvement in Extracurricular Activities and Academic Success in International Schools
List of Authors
Durga Muthusinga, Esayas Teshome Taddese, Nur Aina Irman Zuwardi
Keyword
Extracurricular activities, academic achievement, international schools, student engagement, education
Abstract
The study aimed to examine how participating in extracurricular activities (ECAs) at an international school in Malaysia impacts students' academic performance, showcasing their advancement and success in education. The research included 40 students, with 30 male and 10 female, between 15 and 18 years old. The results showed that most students (87.5 percent) participate in these activities frequently, with 34.3 percent belonging to the badminton club and 31.4 percent belonging to the music club. A correlation coefficient of 0.65 showed a positive relationship between GPA and frequency of participation in ECAs, indicating that students who engage in ECAs more frequently tend to have higher GPAs. It is important to emphasize that this study had many inherent limitations. The initial constraint was the limited sample size in this study, making it difficult to apply the findings to all students in the school or similar schools in the same demographic. Moreover, as these were based on self-reports, the data collection method was constrained by bias. Overall, this research demonstrates that it is beneficial for students to engage in ECAs as it positively impacts their academic performance, as reflected in their GPAs. Certain discoveries also suggest that students' GPAs vary based on their participation in different types and frequencies of extracurricular activities.