Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
by: Aditi Gupta and Akshit Baj, MBA(Service Management) III Semester R. A. Podar Institute of Management, University of Rajasthan
Abstract:
Extra-curricular activities are those activities which are not generally in the academic curriculum. Activities like dancing, singing, debate, speeches etc. generally fall outside the realm of the curriculum of the school and university and mostly voluntary. However in todays competitive, dynamic, multifaceted world, studies require an all-round development of every student. Just studies wont help anyone to compete. Numerous studies indicate that extracurricular activities do, in fact, promote academic performance in students. That extra factor comes from the regular participation in extra-curricular activities. They not only add to the development of students, they also helps in developing the institution. Therefore the extra-curricular activities are considered to be an important aspect in the life of a student.
Introduction:
The development of extracurricular activities was slow in the beginning, with many seeing it simply as a fad that would pass and quickly fade out of style. One of the early philosophies behind extracurricular activities was that they should, wherever at all possible, grow out of curricular activities and return to curricular activities to enrich them. Eventually, people including educators, began to see the benefits of extracurricular activities, but it took a while to inure them to them. In fact, before 1900, educators skeptical of participation in extracurricular activities, believing that school should focus solely on narrowly defined academic outcomes. All the non-academic activities were viewed as being primarily recreational and therefore were detrimental to academic achievement, and consequently were discouraged Deam and Bear, early experts on extracurricular activities, said, Extracurricular activities supplement and extend those contacts and experiences found in the more formal part of the program of the school day. It was not until recently that educational practitioners and researchers have taken a more positive perspective, arguing that extracurricular activities may have positive effects on life skills and may also benefit academic accomplishments. It is obvious that extracurricular activities have an impact on academic performance and education ever since inception. The question is how extracurricular activities are affecting academic performance today? Different types of extra-curricular activities Athletics is a major for extracurricular activities at many schools. Sports like football, cricket, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheer-leading, climbing, field hockey, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, volleyball etc. Annual or seasonal events are held for individual sports.
Extracurricular Activities in science and math range often include clubs, as those in astronomy, chess, computer programming, robotics, and ecology. These may involve Competitions for example, the Science Olympiad, Drawing competition, Flower Arrangement, Arts and Crafts etc. For students interested in writing and communication, there are Debates, Foreign Languages, The school newspaper and the school yearbook. For students in the arts there are drama clubs, guitar clubs, ensembles such as choirs, bands, and orchestras and photography clubs. Students who enjoy competition and have good general knowledge may join Quiz Tournaments, Community minded students can find opportunities for community service in Red Cross club, Adult Education, peer helper group etc. Environment based activities undertaken by concerned clubs or groups are also a part of these Extracurricular Activities. Cultural Exchange Activities also come under it.
Co-curricular activities are often referred to as extra-curricular activities. Grammatically speaking there is a difference between the two. Extracurricular is self-explanatory activity which is extra or additional to curricular mostly conducted after school hours. They generally dont complement with academic studies. However, some activities overlap. Some extracurricular activities can also be co-curricular and vice versa. Depending upon the institutes certain activities are considered co-curricular and others, extracurricular. Therefore, in academic sphere, there isnt any clear consensus as to which is what? Thus, the gap between the two is negligible in the academic sense.
Taking part in regular extra-curricular activities helps you in inculcating the values and importance of being a leader in certain specific activities. It shows the depth of your commitment which further helps in specific areas of life. Like when you become a manager, you are supposed to offer management education extra-curricular activities help you get qualities of a leader and being a manager you are required to lead your team in acquiring your target in time and be motivating as well. Different activities assign you different roles within groups like president, captain participant, leader, support person etc. Each role is important and acquiring these roles teaches us leadership, management skills and sense of responsibility. Being a member gives structure and is less stressful. One can also apply his or her areas of expertise in areas that are needed such as utilizing your financial skills by becoming a treasurer of a group. They help in losing fears and inhibitions which otherwise would always remain like stage fright or fear of losing. They are especially helpful to those students who are not bright in academics as they may excel in their extra-curricular activities. They are very valuable in maintaining health and fitness. As sports also come under extra-curricular activities, they keep fitness levels up. They are mechanical in nature and keeps us on our toes for the sudden happenings. Responsibility is one great quality which one learns from these activities. When students take up any activity, they are also required to maintain their academic grades, when they might require certain grades to be eligible to participate. This creates in them, a sense of responsibility as it becomes a must for then to handle these. Extra-curricular activities teach time-management skills. They have to develop a schedule that balances their practices, rehearsals and other aspects of his or her life events related to the activity or activities that they are involved in. These activities are themselves a great teacher of life skills which academics alone are not. As such, they are a great way for students to begin a transition into the adult world. Certain extra-curricular activities such as football, A band or the cast of a theatre production teach communication and teamwork skill as they involve a group of people working together to achieve a common goal. Another important aspect of these activities is that they provide an outlet for creativity for the talented and help in developing self-esteem. These activities are also important in maintaining interest in attending school as they provide an incentive in the form of success in their respective fields. They thus, also enhance a sense that they must succeed in their classes also. These activities can teach real world skills that encourage life-long interests which lead us on the road to becoming productive and successful.
Fig. 1
Kindergarten Life
As children grow and near school age, there are activities which will teach them structure, yet cater to their physical abilities and attention spans. Activities including dance, poetry, story-telling, painting, KG games etc. are good examples of starter activities which students between the ages of three and five can participate in. Students benefit from the scheduled time to begin learning responsibility and structure. Time with other students is socially beneficial and also physically if exercise is involved. In this age group students learn to make friends when they perform such activities in groups. Relationships are created between various groups and they learn to perform brilliantly working together. Kindergarten is that age where students are innocent, learn various types of activities and their interest starts developing.
College Life
The time spent in college is one of the most important parts of ones life. How involvement in activities will help one in designing his/her career? Due to the rising cost of attending college, many students find themselves needing to work in their spare time. Many colleges offer projects opportunities at the institution itself, including being able to work in the college journal, magazines, bulletins, organizing various college events, etc. Additionally, through a career center, colleges will often help students find short-term jobs or internships during the breaks; these opportunities will be more tailored toward the student's major and can help him /her to secure a job after he/she graduates. Many colleges have strong ties with the local communities, which manifest themselves in local volunteering organizations. Many colleges place a great deal of credence on their involvement with these projects, and doing so will greatly benefit students, institution and the local area. Depending on area of interest, students can find a volunteering project to fit their interests, whether it is working on an environmental project or some other area. Institutions provide career enhancement programs and introducing extra-curricular activities for incoming freshman. They do this not only to show fun side of the college but also to introduce students to activities that can benefit them and the organization in many healthy ways.
Professional Life
Involvement in extra-curricular activities plays an important role in professional development of an individual. A person in the various phases of his/her student life enhances their skills of time management, communication, conflict-resolution, etc. These skills help the person to work effectively and efficiently in his/her working environment. Experience attained by performing extracurricular activities during his/her life, when used in professional life, makes him/her dedicated towards the work to be performed. A person who participated with great zeal and enthusiasm in various activities during his/her academic life, provides better results and outcomes of the projects assigned to him/her as compared with the a person who didnt participated in such activities. Success in organization require more than high academic qualifications. Thus, College recruiters commonly examine candidates extra-curricular activities in search of well rounded, emotionally intelligent and interpersonally skilled students. Intuitively, extra-curricular activities are valuable student experiences. Participating in extracurricular activities helps one in developing the skills of team work. Team work is a very important part of professional success. During ones professional life, there are many situations where one has to team up in a group and carry out certain professional objectives. The key to successfully achieving the desired objectives in form of a group is the fact that one should be good at team work which is developed by actively participating in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activates help in stress management. There are many times during ones professional life. When one goes through a lot of stress and if he does not fully understand the art of stress management there are high chances that he might not achieve professional success.
Volunteer and service related extracurricular activities help students understand corporate social responsibility which is an integral part of ones professional success. Once student goes into professional career, he must carry out all the CSR work to be successful.
Communication Skills: As part of a team, an individual must learn to effectively communicate and maintain strong relationships with his fellow players to maximize potential of the team. This helps you to manage different kinds of people and gradually you learn how to interact with them to get your message across in an effective way. Footballers depend on one another for success, as the sport is played by a team and success is dependent on how well they work together, passing the ball skillfully. Convincing Skills: A sports team consists of many players and consequently a multitude of opinions. However, to succeed, it is necessary to possess the skills required to convince all parties of one course of action. This involves the ability to get your viewpoint across in an effective manner and to ensure that people are on board with your plan. Football often consists of complex plans of action and you need to be confident and sure of your course to be able to convince ten other players. Conflict Management: Competitive rivalry not only leads to a stronger team, but also helps to build strong interteam ties. In case of conflict or disagreement, it becomes easier to resolve tense situations if you are aware of your team and the reasons behind the conflict. This helps you to learn how to manage different stages of conflicts while teaching how to diffuse such confrontations before they escalate. Fights with the referee or with players from the rival team often erupt and it is important to know how to bring both parties to a reasonable compromise. Confidence: A great leader, or even a great team player, must have the confidence required to make decisions in tough situations. In fact, any combination of the above skills would make a good leader. A person who successfully learns even one of the skills listed above, gains confidence in his abilities partly due to his achievements and partly due to the efforts he puts in.
Fees. Do you have to pay to join? How much? Are there fees for outings, uniforms, costumes, or other expenses? You may be required to help raise money. Physical. If you're joining a team, you may need to take a physical. Talking with your family doctor may help you decide whether a team is a good choice for you. Grades. Many groups require a minimum GPA to join. Time. If you're involved in competitive sports, you need to have the time to practice and compete. There's also the time it takes to get ready emotionally for a game, and the time you spend getting refreshments with the team after games. Team members are often responsible for setting up a game or helping in other ways.
Each institute is unique with its own array of offerings, but if you don't find what you want, try a community center or volunteer for a local nonprofit organization or business. Also consider, organizations like Yuva Unstoppable, a group for teens who want to participate in social service projects.
management and leadership skills. Getting involved in activities connected with your ideal career may also enhance your resume and impress potential employers.
Suggestions
Before joining any activity, one must make sure to chart out a schedule beforehand and stick to it. It is essential to keep a balance between work, extracurricular activities, social life, personal life and health. If activities are causing too much stress on ones life and affecting him/her mentally and physically, one should quit it. It can take some time to find the activity which fits best to both parents lifestyle and childs interests. A child should never be pressured to join as many activities as possible for the sake of college applications or the parents priorities. Extracurricular activities can bring out the best in a child if they correctly fit the childs interests, curiosities and abilities. It is always wise to talk with an advisor, senior, parent, or coach before you quit for any reason. Skipping and avoiding presents a wrong impression on the members associated with the activity and might result in future losses. Be direct and polite, and explain the situation, feelings and problems. The mentors will surely guide wisely and will provide solutions. Sometimes we make wrong choices which are too time-consuming. One can participate in a less time-consuming way or rejoin later. By seeking advices from the mentors, students interests are developed more effectively and efficiently. Although academic study is a significant element of students college experience, it should not be the only thing he/she must do. Participation in extra-curricular activities not only contributes to his/her learning but can also help in
the development of social skills, enhancement in general well-being, health and fitness. These activities provide valuable experience for post-college and job life. By performing these types of activities, a students ability to work in variable environment increases. Hence one should try to participate in different activities and try to contribute to the institutions development, in order to develop his/her skills.
Conclusion
Studies have shown that college students involved in extracurricular activities generally gel more satisfied about their college experience than students who do not participate. Studies also indicate that extracurricular activities generally have a positive effect on a students intellectual development. They help in developing various skills which help in enhancing social behavior, leadership abilities etc. Extra-curricular activities help one in improving time management skills, taking initiatives and growing knowledge. It increases confidence and improves communication. They also boost conflict-resolution abilities and time management skills etc. However, many also believe that these activities may actually affect student performance in a negative manner due to conflicting time requirements and competing schedules, but if they do, they also enhance student persistence. Interestingly, relatively few studies have been undertaken in either of these areas due to a lack of applicable data.
References
Importance of Extracurricular Activities in College http://www.ehow.com/info_7794470_importance-extracurricular-activities-college.html Wikipedia Taking Initiative: The Options Are Endless http://www.inc.com/articles/1999/09/16417.html Facing Challenges / Taking Initiative Michael S. Brockman, University of California, Davis Stephen T. Russell, Ph.D., University of Arizona Adaptability/Flexibility http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/employability/skills/adaptflex.php The Agile Leader http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_49.htm http://www.mindreality.com/ higher-energy-levels-produce-faster-success