Why you feel college students do or don not benefits from participation in extracurricular activities - Essay Example

Introduction Extracurricular involvement on college campuses is one the most important part of their personal development as they gain and improve their skills by involving in these activities for entertainment, social, and enjoyment purposes. These students have more chances to become leaders, more willing to complete tasks, more willing to voice opinions, and in future are placed well in the society. According to a 1993 article by Alexander Astin, almost any type of student involvement in college positively affects student learning and development.

In order to develop an all rounder individual, the extracurricular activities should positively impact on students emotional, intellectual, social, and inter-personal development. Students learn to negotiate, communicate, manage conflict and above all build and maintain relationship with fellow individuals through these activities. These out-of-the-classroom activities help students establish socially by providing a setting for student interaction, relationship formation, and discussion. Involvement in all such activities helps them to understand the importance of critical thinking skills, time management, and academic and intellectual competence.

Working with diverse groups of individuals allows students to gain self-confidence, improve their leadership and interpersonal skills. These involvements, allows students to expand their horizons, associate academic knowledge with practical experience, self realization of talents, meet people they might otherwise not encounter, and learn about things outside their own environment. Several researches suggest that extracurricular activities can benefit students at all levels. According to John H.

Holloway much of the research into extracurricular activities suggests that they have positive effects on students who participate in such activities. Further, he says that "participation in school activities, especially athletics, leads to higher self-esteem and an enhanced status among peers.” Steve Duncan of Montana State University, who has a doctorate in family studies, sees value in extracurricular activities. According to him “extracurricular activities and involvement in community clubs and organizations are important in fostering the strengths of youth, strengths that help young people steer away from undesirable behavior (Science or Soccer?.., 2000). Extracurricular activities are important.

However it is equally essential to have a balance between these activities and the academic involvement. Extracurricular activities should not take up all of a students time. There should still be time for homework, chores, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. A balanced approach in all these activities is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, extracurricular activities should complement a students life and not complicate it. Achieving a balance between academics and extracurricular can be challenging for students.

When students are involved in too many activities or in an activity that takes up too much time, students will become stressed and grades and family relationships might begin to suffer. In addition, and perhaps more important, participation in too many activities can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Students should be careful not to overextend themselves by taking on too many activities or volunteering for too many jobs or committees in an organization. References Astin, Alexander W. 1993. "What Matters in College.

" Liberal Education 79 (4):4–15. Science or Soccer? -- How Important Are Extracurricular Activities? 2000. Retrieved on 27 September 2005 from http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr237.shtml