An investigation of the role of co-curricular activities in promoting academic perfomance in public secondary schools in Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of co-curricular activities in promoting academic performance in public secondary schools in Wajir County, Kenya. The research has drawn its foundation based on the theory of play and its different influences. The researcher was prompted to investigate role of co-curricular activities; physical activities, moral religious activities and phycho-spiritual activities in promoting academic performance. In the research methodology the study adopted a mixed method approach since it involved collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population was principals, teachers and students from 37 public secondary schools in Wajir County. Probability and non-probability sampling methods were applied in the research. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews as the instruments for research. Pilot testing and communication with the supervisor and other field experts was used to help in the determination and establishment of the validity and reliability of the instruments. The reliability coefficient r=0.80 was determined using Pearson‟s Correlation Method. The data analysis was through the statistical package for social science (SPSS v20). Mean, percentages standard deviation and frequency distribution were calculated and represented in as graphs, tables and charts. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as ANOVA using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20) while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis where the emerging themes were identified and presented. The findings of the study were presented using percentages, tables and charts. The study has established that Co-curricular activities help in the aesthetic development, spiritual growth, physical growth, character building, creativity and moral values in the participant. Co-curricular activities, when they were an integral part of the school, played an important role in enhancing the relationship between the student and teachers, in addition, the presence of co-curricular activities resulted in the students performing better in their studies. This study concluded that Co-curricular activities help in the aesthetic development, spiritual growth, physical growth, character building, creativity and moral values in the participant. Co-curricular activities, as an integral part of the school, played an important role in enhancing the relationship between the student and teachers. The study recommends that the principals to ensure that they perfectly play their role in encouraging co-curricular activities in their schools in order to promote academic performances.