Co-Curricular Impacts: Retrospect and Directions

Abstract

Co-curricular activities bring significant impact on the holistic development of learners. Thus, the study was conducted to determine the extent at which the different co-curricular activities in the Basic Education Schools of Union Christian College. The researchers employed Basic Qualitative Analysis using the reflection papers of learners from Grade 4-6 and Grade 9 and some informal interview with high school students from other grade levels during the School Year 2015-2016. The researchers, being one of the implementers of the various co-curricular activities in the department, dissociated themselves from the institution to the best that they can to maintain objectivity in the analysis. The findings showed that the different co-curricular activities implemented at the UCC Basic Education Schools contributed to the leadership potentials, honing of skills, social and emotional growth, as well as in the academic development of the learners. On the implementation of the activities, the respondents indicated that the time element affected so much their preparations to the different activities. At times, lack of time preparation and on management of activities needed stricter attention. Moreover, giving variety of activities during programs and activities of the same themes from the previous academic years was sought wanting more so for students who have more than a year of residence in the school. It was also noted that learners favor the practices of many of their teachers who consider their participation in school activities as part of their performance tasks as it reduced physical exhaustion and expenses. The findings of the study further established the benefits of co-curricular activities; hence the sustained implementation of these. Time element for the planning and preparation and in the implementation needed revisit to avoid conflict with the academic learning time. Designing co-curricular activities of variety to further promote creativity, critical thinking skills, communication skills and leadership skills of the learners was sought.