Effects of Co-Curricular Activities on Academic Performance of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Background: Co-curricular activities (CCAs) have been increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in enhancing both academic performance and overall student development. These activities complement traditional learning by fostering a range of skills crucial for personal and academic growth. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of co-curricular activities on the academic performance of sixth-grade students at Government Girls High School Bharth, Sialkot, providing insights into how these activities influence educational outcomes. Methods: A quantitative, experimental design was employed involving 98 sixth-grade students who were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n=36) or control group (n=36). The intervention included various CCAs such as drama, quiz, painting, and sports over two months. Data were collected using pre- and post-tests from the Urdu textbooks, with the results analyzed using SPSS version 25 to conduct t-tests and calculate means and standard deviations. Results: The pre-test results showed no significant difference between the groups (experimental group mean=14.97, SD=2.560; control group mean=14.03, SD=2.667; p=.131). Post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in scores (mean=16.69, SD=2.806) compared to the control group (mean=12.69, SD=3.206), with p<.0001 indicating a substantial impact of CCAs on student performance. Conclusion: The study confirms that engagement in co-curricular activities significantly boosts academic performance among students, suggesting that such activities should be integral to educational curricula to promote comprehensive student development.