CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In today's competitive educational landscape, students are constantly engaged in various

activities beyond their academic responsibilities. From being student-leaders, student-journalists
to athletes, these multitasker students participate in extracurricular activities that have emerged
as an integral part of their personal development. These activities, which include sports, club or
organization memberships, competitions, and other goal-driven pursuits, provide students with
opportunities to cultivate relationships and learn to socialize.
Engaging in extracurricular activities allows students to develop leadership skills and take charge
of committees, fostering a sense of responsibility and a more proactive attitude. However, it is
crucial for students to understand the importance of proper time management. They must excel
both in and out of the classroom, as recent educational policies, such as the Department of
Education memorandum and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12 Law), state that
grades from extracurricular activities are no longer added to their overall grades.
Extracurricular activities have become an essential part of a student's education, providing them
with opportunities to explore their passions and develop new skills. For instance, student-leaders
and student-journalists play a vital role in their school communities, serving as advocates for
their peers and keeping the student body informed.
Student-leaders are responsible for organizing and leading various school events. Through their
leadership roles, they develop essential skills, such as communication, time-management, and
problem-solving, that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. Similarly, student-
journalists play an essential role in keeping their school communities informed about current
events and school-related news. They develop skills like writing, editing, and interviewing, as
well as critical thinking and research skills. Student athletes, in particular, demonstrate the ability
to respond to increased demands and transfer the qualities of hard work, discipline, and
perseverance required for athletic performance to their academic lives. These student-athletes
lead unique and often stressful lives, influenced by the demands of their athletic commitments.
All of these extracurricular activities have influence on how students perform academically.
There exists a common assumption that engaging in extracurricular activities uniformly yields
positive effects on academic performance. On the other hand, some believe that such
participation may have a detrimental impact, citing issues such as time conflicts and difficulty in
managing schedules.
A study by Darling, Caldwell, and Smith (2005) revealed that students engaged in extracurricular
activities tend to exhibit higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school, and greater
academic aspirations. Moreover, the researchers conducted a longitudinal study to explore the
impact of extracurricular activities on various facets of development, including academic
performance.
A survey encompassing various extracurricular activities was administered to students, alongside
demographic inquiries to consider social factors. The findings demonstrated that students
involved in school-based extracurricular activities exhibited higher grades, higher academic
aspirations, and more positive attitudes toward academics compared to their non-participating
counterparts (Darling, Caldwell, and Smith, 2005).
According to Fredricks and Eccles (2006), engaging in activities can have a positive impact on
academic outcomes, such as better grades, test scores, increased school engagement, and higher
educational aspirations. However, Eccles and Barber (1999) have cautioned that certain
extracurricular activities may have negative consequences. For instance, if a coach is belittling,
or if club members exclude others, or if a student becomes over-committed with multiple
activities, there may be adverse effects on participation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the
benefits of positive activities and how to avoid the drawbacks of excessive involvement in these
extracurricular activities.
Gill (2018) outlines four essential steps for effectively managing time, emphasizing the
prioritization of academics, creating a structured schedule, selective engagement in
extracurricular activities, and incorporating breaks. Implementing these steps, as indicated by
research, can help students balance their time and abilities, ultimately enhancing academic
performance.
Dulag National High School is a home to outstanding athletes, journalists, and leaders. The
researchers aim to explore how these students manage to balance their academic responsibilities
and extracurricular activities.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The objective of this research is to explore the effects of extracurricular activities on the
academic performance of the senior high school students enrolled at Dulag National High
School.
Specifically it seeks to answer the following questions:
1. Is there a beneficial correlation between involvement in extracurricular activities and the
academic well-being of the respondents?

2. Does participation on extracurricular activities have a negative effect on the academic

performance of the student?

3. How do the respondents balance their time commitments between academic

responsibilities and extracurricular activities?
 4. What are the particular obstacles faced by the students that hinder their academic
performance?

5. In what ways do extracurricular activities affect the academic performance of the

respondent?

Significance Of The Study

The research focused on exploring the impact of extracurricular activities on the academic
performance of senior high school students. This study holds significant implications for various
stakeholders:

Academic Institutions. The findings of this research will furnish senior high schools and
academic institutions with crucial insights into the correlation between extracurricular activities
and students' academic achievements. This knowledge can guide institutions in designing more
effective programs to enhance student outcomes.

Parents and Guardians. The outcomes of this study can serve as a valuable resource for parents
and guardians, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their children's participation
in extracurricular activities. Understanding the effects of such activities on academic
performance can aid parents in supporting their children's holistic development.

Students. Senior high school students stand to benefit from this research by gaining a deeper
understanding of the advantages and challenges associated with engaging in extracurricular
activities. By recognizing the impact of these activities on their academic performance, students
can make informed choices about participation and balance their commitments effectively.

Educators and Administrators. Educators and school administrators will find valuable insights in
this study to leverage extracurricular activities as tools for enhancing student engagement and
academic success. Understanding how these activities influence academic performance can
inform the development of strategies to optimize student learning experiences.

Future Researchers. For future researchers interested in exploring the relationship between
extracurricular activities and senior high school students' academic performance, this study will
serve as a foundational reference. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the subject area
and offer potential avenues for further investigation and analysis.