Sharing Good Practice
Key benefits of extracurricular activities
in developing students’ social skills
By Dr Thomas Gamboa Jr.
W
hen the discussing the
role of schools in the
development of students,
we often focus on the
academic aspects as that is the primary
function of schools. We often overlook
the potential value of participation
in extracurricular activities and the
transformational benefits that it
can have on student development.
Whether students participate in
athletics, chess club, theatre, or any
other extracurricular activity, research
shows that those students will perform
better academically when compared
to their peers who do not participate.
Students engaged in extracurricular
activities also benefit from the
interactions with peers, sponsors and
community members.
through participation in extracurricular
activities.
Expanding Acquaintances
Another
interesting
benefit
of
participating
in
extracurricular
activities is that students get to
interact with students from other
schools. These interactions allow
students to gain diverse perspectives
on the different ways in which their
peers learn. It introduces them to new
ideologies and a better understanding
of culture and heritage. In learning
about
other
cultures
through
interacting with their peers, they are
able to reflect on and share their own
One of the most significant benefits
of participation in extracurricular
activities is that students begin to
expand their circle of acquaintances
and awaken their social skills
development. Students who engage
with others through extracurricular
activities share a common interest
in athletics, which unlocks many new
ideas, experiences and opportunities.
This improves their social development
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Participate
Through extracurricular activities,
some of the most introverted students
who avoid social interactions can
find their identity and become more
sociable. They can even become
campus leaders. Moreover, some of
these students may be inclined to
explore new clubs and activities that
are recommended by other students
with whom they have developed new
friendships. This can expose them
to new ideas and functions that they
would not have participated in before.
Increased interaction
Class Time
experiences. Thus leading to more
meaningful social interactions among
students.
Travel & Exposure
Finally, through participating in
extracurricular activities students
often get to travel locally and in some
cases internationally. They become
exposed to an even wider cross
section of people who represent
diverse cultural backgrounds and
lifestyles. They become the recipients
of new experiences that enrich their
overall outlook. In addition to this,
travelling allows for a true bonding
experience. This can result in students
becoming more open to discussions
because of a newfound awareness that
has been facilitated through shared
experiences. They learn personal
responsibility and how to take care of
each other.
The social benefits of extracurricular
participation are not always as evident
as the academic benefits. However,
these benefits are an important
component in the development of the
whole child. Social benefits should be
given due credit and emphasized.