An Examination of Student Club Activities from the Perspective of School Principals and Teachers

Abstract

In this study, the effects of student club activities in high schools in Kars province, Turkey on the development ofstudents’ social skills, democracy and governance skills, recreation education and community service skills wereexamined. The qualitative research technique was used in the study and data were collected with the semi-structuredinterview technique. The data were obtained from 8 school principals and 12 club advisors from different schooltypes determined with the maximum variation sampling method. According to the results, the educators in thesample concluded that the student clubs achieved their objectives in the theme of democracy and governance skillsbut were not effective in the other themes. The reasons for this ineffectiveness emerged as deficiencies in thephysical environment in the schools, lack of time allotted for activities, excessive numbers of students in the clubsand unwillingness of teachers with regard to club activities. It was suggested that if the choice of whether or not toengage in club activities is left to students, the activities in clubs will become more attractive and thus theireffectiveness will increase.