An Investigation into the Role of Extracurricular Activities in Supporting and Enhancing Students' Academic Performance in Tertiary Foundation Programs in Oman

Abstract

Sensing the pulse of globalization and the job market, the most recent trends in Oman’ s tertiary education are about teaching methods and education practices’ improvement. Recognizing the multidimensional and dynamic nature of the tertiary education learning environment, especially its foundation program cluster, and identified benefits of extra-curricular activities in having a positive impact on students, this paper reports on a study that examines the role of extracurricular activities as channels of support and foundation program students’ academic performance enhancement. In more detail, using the example of the extracurricular activities offered by the Centre for Preparatory Studies at Sultan Qaboos University, it focuses on the student-perceived factors related to the value of participation in the extracurricular activities and subsequent effects on the tertiary foundation program students’ development. The study employed a mixed study research design. The data was obtained from two instruments, namely student survey and student reflections which were then auto-analyzed using Google forms software. The findings revealed that extracurricular activities could provide a platform for new ways of learning, academic support, extra practice, variety and fun, and student skills’ improvement. Specifically, they showed some improvement on the foundation program students’ linguistic competences, critical thinking and time management skills. Also, involvement in structured extracurricular activities boosts students’ self-confidence and self-esteem, and mitigates their transitional challenges.