BLENDING EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: PAIN OR GAIN?

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This paper determined the positive and negative impacts of extracurricular activities (ECAs) and its relationship with the academic performance of college students at a State University in the Philippines. Methodology: The correlation method with document scanning was used in this study. College students with extracurricular activities were randomly selected to serve as respondents. Mean, and correlation procedures were employed to answer the descriptive and inferential problems. Main Findings: Male and single students exceptionally considered engaging in ECAs as a chance to enrich their leadership skills and expand their friendship with new acquaintances. Older students with family responsibilities and who came from higher year levels critically experienced failing to beat targets, limiting their time for review and sacrificing their academic undertakings. Applications of this study: As the prime mover of ECAs, the University Student Affairs and Services together with the Student Council officers may craft clear-cut policy in terms of grade requirement for those students who are involved in ECAs and come up with General Plan of Action such that the academic undertakings of the students will not be sacrificed. Novelty/Originality of this study: Positive and negative relationships between the advantages or disadvantages of ECAs and respondents' demographics were established in this study. However, the students' academic performance was not associated with their involvement in any extracurricular activities.