This research looks at how doing stuff outside of regular school, like clubs or
sports, affects how well kids in Junior High do in their classes at Sorsogon National
High School. They’re checking if being involved in these other activities helps students
do better in their studies. It’s like trying to figure out if playing sports, being in a club, or
doing other fun things after school might make students smarter or help them do well in
their subjects.
Across various educational levels, from secondary to tertiary education,
involvement in extracurricular activities has emerged as a crucial aspect of students’
experiences. These activities encompass a diverse range, from participating in school
clubs to engaging in sports, arts, and cultural clubs. Such involvement has
demonstrated its potential to shape positive outcomes, impacting academic
achievements, personal development, community engagement, and even nurturing
leadership qualities and cultural understanding among students (Rahman, 2021; Rosch
& Nelson, 2018; Norman, 2013).
Additionally, the integration of cultural understanding through foreign language
education holds immense value in shaping not just linguistic skills but also ethical
values and cultural insights. However, challenges persist in this realm, ranging from
demanding course content to language learning anxieties that hinder students’
confidence and proficiency. Strategies like incorporating drama into extracurricular
language activities have shown promise in enhancing motivation, confidence, and
language proficiency among learners, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse
cultures (Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic
University).
Furthermore, the significance of extracurricular activities extends beyond typical
school settings, as seen in community-based initiatives. For instance, community
service projects designed to facilitate English language learning among elementary
school children faced challenges such as resource constraints and pandemic-induced
limitations. Despite these hurdles, innovative approaches, like leveraging online tools
during the COVID-19 pandemic, have showcased considerable success in enhancing
English language skills among elementary students in Wajo Regency. Such initiatives
not only aimed to improve language proficiency but also fostered an enjoyable learning
environment, leading to notable improvements in speaking and listening skills among
participating students (Wajo Inpres Elementary School).
Moreover, the impact of extracurricular activities on the educational landscape
isn’t solely limited to academic enhancement. Studies have delved into the influence of
campus racial climates and intercultural interactions on the sense of belonging among
diverse student groups, such as Filipino American college students. Understanding how
cultural environments and interactions shape students’ perceptions of inclusivity and
belonging within educational institutions is crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive
atmosphere for all learners (Maramba & Museus, 2012).
In a global context, the evolution of language learning and teaching has
witnessed multifaceted approaches, particularly in teaching English as a second
language. Extracurricular endeavors aimed at teaching English to elementary school
students have surfaced as community-driven projects, seeking to bridge gaps in
language education. These initiatives often face challenges related to resources and
access to qualified instructors. However, their impact is evident in the enhanced
language proficiency observed among participating students, underscoring the value of
community-driven efforts in supplementing formal education (Wajo Inpres Elementary
School).
Furthermore, the adaptability of extracurricular programs in response to external
circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights their resilience and
innovation. The shift towards utilizing online platforms for educational purposes, evident
in the use of tools like Zoom and Google Classroom, showcases the agility of educators
and organizers in ensuring continued learning opportunities. These adaptations not only
address immediate challenges but also pave the way for incorporating technology as a
valuable tool in extracurricular education, potentially revolutionizing the way students
engage in such activities in the future.
In our neighborhood, education stands tall like the old acacia tree at the plaza.
Every family, from the tiniest nipa hut to the sturdiest concrete house, shares the same
dream – to see their children rise on the wings of education. It’s like a treasure passed
down from one generation to the next, where parents pour their hopes and children
carry the weight of their expectations. The school isn’t just a place of learning; it’s where
the whole block’s pride and honor take root. Every report card feels like a collective
victory, celebrated by the whole barangay.
Our schools echo the rhythms of the American system but dance to our own
tune. Beyond the classroom walls, students delve into activities that mold character as
much as lessons in arithmetic and history. These “extra” activities aren’t just extras, you
see. They’re like spice in our daily dish, adding flavor and zest to our education. Even in
our humble colleges, they champion these pursuits, knowing they sculpt futures just as
much as textbooks do. It’s a nod to the holistic way we embrace knowledge here, not
just in books but in the bustling market, the winding streets, and the stories whispered
by the elders under the mango trees.
Yet, for some families, the road to education isn’t a smooth one. Poverty casts its
shadow, dimming the path toward school gates. The K-12 law brought change, adding
more years to basic education, but challenges still linger like afternoon clouds before a
storm. It’s why some parents take the leap, leaving our shores for distant lands, hoping
to carve a better future for their kin. Despite it all, the spirit of education remains a
beacon, flickering in the darkest of nights, guiding us toward a brighter horizon.
In our neighborhood, the rhythm of life synchronizes with the school bell’s chime.
Morning routines align as children, uniformed and eager, make their way to school,
weaving through narrow alleys and bustling streets. There’s a sense of camaraderie in
these shared journeys, where older siblings guide the younger ones, and neighbors
keep watchful eyes on each other’s kids. The school isn’t just a building; it’s the beating
heart of our community, where friendships blossom, and dreams take flight.
Amidst the challenges that drape over our aspirations like a patchwork quilt, hope
springs eternal. It’s in the makeshift study corners illuminated by a single bulb, in the
borrowed textbooks passed down from one sibling to another. Every graduation, no
matter how modest, becomes a testament to resilience and determination. Our streets
may not bear the grandeur of towering institutions, but they echo with the voices of
ambition and hard work. And in the stillness of the night, you can almost hear the
collective whisper of prayers for a brighter tomorrow, where every child’s potential is
nurtured and honored.
The aim of this research is to uncover the correlation between extracurricular
activities and academic performance among Junior High School students at Sorsogon
National High School. By delving into this relationship, the study seeks to explore how
participation in extracurriculars impacts the academic achievements of these students. It
aims to shed light on whether engagement in activities beyond the regular curriculum,
such as clubs, sports, or cultural pursuits, influences students’ overall performance in
their studies. Through thorough examination and analysis, the research endeavors to
reveal whether there exists a notable connection between involvement in
extracurriculars and the scholastic success of these young learners.
Furthermore, this study intends to provide insights that could potentially inform
educational policies and practices. By understanding the potential impact of
extracurricular activities on academic achievement, educators and school administrators
may gain valuable perspectives on how to enhance the overall learning experience. If a
positive correlation is established, it could advocate for a more holistic approach to
education, emphasizing the significance of extracurricular engagement in nurturing well-
rounded and academically successful students. Conversely, if there’s no substantial
relationship found, it prompts a critical reevaluation of the current emphasis on
extracurriculars in the educational landscape, guiding future decisions regarding
resource allocation and educational priorities.
