Participation in Recreational Sports and Student Engagement in a South African University

Abstract

Using culturally relevant frameworks, this study explored students’ self-reported sense of belonging and noncognitive learning outcomes as a result of cocurricular involvement in recreational activities at a South African University. Survey responses from 1,884 students involved in various cocurricular activities suggest the positive influence recreational sport involvement has on student learning outcomes, with students’ gender, finances, and accommodation playing a role. This study contributes to the literature by providing insights from a non-U.S. context.