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Relevance of Extra-Curricular activities in Personality Development

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.

Significance of Extra Curricular Activities


Most of the educational institutes have some sort of arrangement for these activities. Normally one expects students to go to educational institutes only to study but student is not just limited to academics. Extra-Curricular Activities break the tandem of repetitive routines and they can also have a negative impact on the students life. However, extra-curricular activities do more good than harm. Its effect on students is long lasting and life enhancing. The experience gained from these is comparable to none. Though they are not a normal part of school curriculum, they certainly need to be experienced by everyone because of the range of benefits they provide, some of which are unforeseeably productive and come handy in later life. Extra-curricular activities sometimes offer you a life like situation to react and when a situation in life appears where decisions are to be taken, you would have the experience of handling it earlier. Also, taking active part in extra-curricular activities keeps you brain active and helps you in responding to problems after thinking over them completely. Extra-curricular activities provide fun and escape from the boredom of repetitive academic life routine. They challenge you and your limits also they are source of acquiring support from the other students with similar interests such as language clubs, organizing committees etc. A club or a group helps in socializing and can be a great way to meet new people who are different from you. Students who feel alone and alienated find a sense of belonging. Lots of youth programs bring people together who come from different backgrounds and they become a way break the barriers between them. It adds extra weightage to job or admissions applications and show well-rounded personality.

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.

Extracurricular activities and students phases of life


Students of all ages benefit from extracurricular activities. They can help students to develop socially, emotionally, scholastically, mentally, and physically. Activities increase a students confidence level and teach them responsibility and discipline. They can help students to hone in on their specific interests and fine-tune skills, which can help to develop hobbies. These hobbies, in turn, can pave the way for their future goals, dreams, activities and, in some cases, career. There is a development in interests and hobbies of a student in every phase of life.

Phases of Students Life

Fig. 1

Baby and Toddlers Life


A child develops socially from being involved in extracurricular activities as early as baby and toddler age. Parents can take their children to various playgroup centers where they can meet other children, socialize and learn simply by interacting with each other. Activities should also be stimulating to the child especially at an early age as their senses heighten and they develop motor skills. Activities which are rich with sound and bright colors can increase mobility and are helpful for toddlers as they are attracted towards such activities.

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.

Primary School Life


Children in primary school further get benefited by involving themselves in various events and extracurricular activities happening around them in their school and out of the school also. It helps them to increase their social skills, make and maintain friends with like interests and they start learning about people around. Juggling activities with schoolwork, even at a young age typically helps students to learn skills which are important later in their jobs and professional life with time management and balance of responsibilities. There are positive as well as negative emotional and physical health benefits for children involved in sports activities. Confidence levels increases when children participate in activities they enjoy. They enjoy the social status they get during this school time and every time they perform, they try to do it more perfectly and with loads of interest and enthusiasm.

High School Life


Participation in activities can help students scholastically. As children grow, the importance of maintaining good grades while participating in activities increases. Schools often have "no pass/no play" policies stressing acceptable grades to participate. Studies show, students involved in extracurricular activities tend to stay away from alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Colleges look for students with diverse interests and contributions to add to their roster. These diverse interests can be developed during school life to help students lifelong, in every stage of college life, professional life or societal life. Various studies state that High School students which are involved in dramatics, dancing etc. often, after their schooling, create their own groups/bands of their talents. Participation in extracurricular activities provides additional benefits when it comes to getting into college, as well as impressing potential employers. Admissions boards and interviewers equate extracurricular activities with an individual's ability to handle responsibility, multitask, lead peers and function in a team environment at every level in each type of institution.

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.

Extra-Curricular Activities and its Significance in Management Education


In the world of management education, extra-curricular activities take a very important role. In todays dynamic and ever changing world of management education, extra-curricular activities benefit the student in a lot of ways. In Bschools, students come from different disciplines and they get mixed up. These activities help the student to mix up with others effortlessly. Taking Initiative is very important while one is in B-school. Most of the B-schools take students on multiple criteria (Aptitude level, communication skills etc.). Taking initiatives help you think out of the box. Taking initiative and the ability to face the challenges is also important for becoming a life-long Learner. Lifelong learners, who must be equipped to direct their own learning and development, are characterized as demonstrating perseverance, initiative, and adaptive abilities. Since the environment of a B-school is mixed as the students are from different backgrounds, ethnicity etc., being adaptable to new situations helps an individual to settle down quickly and naturally. The willingness to adapt in ever changing surroundings, to get out of ones comfort zone and to take initiative, marks a key difference between successful and unsuccessful people. Recruiters like to see the applications which are able to demonstrate that they can adapt to changing environment and circumstances. They want people with the personal confidence to respond positively to change and to new ways of working. People who are prepared to rise to the challenge of dealing with the unfamiliar, show they can cope with the new or unexpected. Taking up initiatives is important because one who takes initiatives has high energy levels and is always ready to take on new challenges in life. People with high energy levels usually achieve higher success. When your body and mind function at high energy level, you will be able to study more, work more and enjoy your life better. People with higher energy levels are more directed, focused, efficient and effective. Various management institutes conduct business plan competitions. These competitions need a lot of skills on the part of the student. The student who wants to take part will have to take initiative, will have to be adaptable to the environment around, and the energy levels need to be really high.

Teamwork and its benefits:


Teamwork can lead to better decisions, products, or services. It leads to the building of following skills. Management Skills: Participation in a team requires both thoughtfulness and the ability to get the best out of the team members. If you are the captain of the team, thinking of the team as a whole would maximize the chances of winning as a unit. Team work gives you skills to manage with what you have and make the best possible use of it. In football, for example, strikers must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their teams midfielders and vice versa. Negotiation Skills: Team work ensures that every opinion is given equal importance and every member is given equal importance. However, in a conflicting situation, it is sometimes necessary to side with one party. Therefore, it helps you learn how to negotiate with your team members that oppose any idea. For example, a difficult referee can be one of the worst nightmares of a footballer. Dealing with such a person while keeping your team calm can be both complex and rewarding. This involves calculating the pros and cons of every decision and choosing a solution that fits best.

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.

How to find the Right Activity?


Reviews the Activities College offers and listen to other students experiences to find an activity that meets students needs. Think about the interests, abilities, and time like- Is your brother tired of playing with you? Do you wish you had more of recreation time? Are you looking to meet friends or get support? Do you need to increase the appeal of your job application? Dont just limit yourself to the familiar things, try to do something new. Think about different roles within groups that one might want to try president, captain, participant, leader, support person. Each role has its own importance in every aspect. Being leader teaches leadership and management skills, but involves more responsibility; being a member gives structure and is less stressful. One can also lend his/her skills in areas that are needed, such as using his/her financial skills, etc.

How to Get Involved?


At the beginning of the college year, teachers and faculty members often have a list of activities to join. One of the faculty members may be the advisor for the events which are going to happen in the current year. Look oat college bulletin boards for the various activities scheduled for the coming period. Ask peer groups what they like and join right away or wait to see how the schedules will be and join later. Ask questions from the activity advisor before joining. Some things to ask include: Age. You may have to be a certain age or in a certain grade to join an activity.

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.

How Extra-curricular Activities make a difference in finding a Job?


Throughout high-school and college, you are encouraged to sign up for as many extra-curricular activities as possible. As you attend meetings for cheerleading or the student newspaper, you may wonder if these college extracurricular activities even make a difference when finding a job. Fortunately, if you talk about your activities in the right way, they can make you look much better to a prospective employer. Padding up a resume: Right after you graduate or post-graduate from college, you may find it hard to fill up an entire page for your resume. This is especially the case if you havent got any work experience that relates directly to the job for which youre applying. Rather than leaving blank space on the resume, fill it up with the Extracurricular Activities or Activities. Write the name of the activity and when you started it, just like you would with job experience. If you held a leadership or supervisory position with that activity, make sure that its highlighted. At the interview: One should be prepared to talk about extra-curricular activities during job interviews. If a prospective employer asks about your experience of leading groups of people, talk about your activities as a leader of a missionary group or about how you coached a youth basketball team in your spare time. Even though this wasnt technically for the job, it still shows that you have the relevant experience which will make a difference to the employer. How it looks: Extra-curricular activities can make a big difference to employers when they see how the activities have prepared you for the work. When talking about the activities, think of how they might look to the employer. Doing volunteering work shows that you care about the community and are a productive member of society. Studying abroad will show employers that you work well internationally and that you have experience in learning about another culture or language. What to mention: If youre asked about your activities, focus your answers more on how it benefits the employer. Avoid talking about all of the friends you made or the funny inside jokes that only other club members would understand. Prospective employers dont care about those aspects. Instead, talk about the multi-tasking, leadership, writing and interpersonal relationship skills you learned and how it will now benefit you in the organization. Experience: Extra-curricular activities can help you build skills and gain experience that will be useful to in your career in terms of job hunting and work performance. Participation in activities such as volunteering, debating or even the running of your own extra-curricular club can develop you negotiates communication, and conflict

management and leadership skills. Getting involved in activities connected with your ideal career may also enhance your resume and impress potential employers.

Negative aspects of extra-curricular activities


Students who are over-scheduled in too many activities find that the benefits of participating in out-of-school activities may actually decrease. Overscheduled children may be tired, irritable and show little interest in participation. Over scheduling too many physical activities may result in some students pushing themselves too far with the potential of having a serious sports-related injury as students may need time for relaxation and recovery from intense athletic training. Often, certain students take part in these activities out of excitement or to show off. They dont realize or are unable to manage a schedule which balances all aspects of their life. Thus, they suffer from poor grades and might come under pressure. Students who are obsessed with doing well, especially in physical activities, sometimes become the victims of eating disorders or anxiety attacks. Certain parents want their kids to be active in all sorts of activities and consider it a prestige. Their prestige becomes a pressure for the children to excel in these activities. Sometimes a student takes part in more activities than he can handle, which results in undue stress, emotional turmoil and health problems. As it has already been mentioned, time management skills are important for those who are involved in any kind of activity. For some students it is very difficult to manage their time properly and balance their activity and study. A very significant disadvantage is a possible inequality among students. One can like the activity and, at the same time he/she may feel detached from other students. Most activities come at some expense, either for enrolment, uniform fees, outings, costumes, or more. Every parent cannot afford these types of expenses and at the same time they are pressurized by their childs wish and happiness. There is a peer pressure on the mind of student, as he/she wants to compete and become like his/her peer group.

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

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