The Relation Between Extracurricular Activities and Absenteeism Among Students - Research Proposal Example

However, concerns by policymakers and parents have been raised about the effects of participation in extracurricular activities to result with respect to performance and other benefits to the student, owing to the increased scheduling demands on the students and preference for participation in extracurricular activities. Research by Wilson (2009) reports several impacts of participating in extracurricular activities including improved attendance and GPA, higher attainment of education, and learning social skills.

Participation in extracurricular activities in the research by Kelepolo (2011) depicts the positive in terms of higher attendance and high-grade point average in the Utah Criterion. Bush (2003) reports reduced dropout rate, peer involvement, development of social engagement, and popularity as the benefits of participation in extracurricular activities. Akos (2006) reports an improved ability to transition to middle school through a better GPA, psychological adjustment, and connectedness with other students as the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities.

Apart from an improved GPA for students participating in extracurricular activities, Hart (2013) also reports that the likelihood of graduation from high school is the other benefit of extracurricular activities for students. Improved academic performance has been reported by the following studies as a result of participation in extracurricular activities (Kelepolo (2011), Akos (2006), Hart (2013), ODea (1994), Needham, B (Fujita, 2006), and Lewis, C. P. (2005). The extent of participation in extracurricular activities has been investigated with the results demonstrating high participation in small schools compared to large schools (Cobb, 1996).

Other benefits of participating in extracurricular activities prevalent in the literature are improved self-esteem, social wellbeing, success in adulthood, education resilience (Annu & Sunita, June 2013, Lewis, 2005, Peck et al., 2008,). Studies have touched on the issue of reduced absenteeism as one of the benefits that result from participation in extracurricular activities but not specifically as the main issue except from Cuffe et al. (2014).