1.1 Introduction
Extracurricular activities are the sources that have been an integral part of the education system; students participate in these kinds of activities and they do not fall into the sphere of normal curriculum and instructional methods. Students at all levels participate in these activities, of all age groups and standards. The areas that come under extra-curricular activities include sports, games, art, music, drama, poetry, student newspaper, clubs and governance. Participation in all these activities or just one of them of student’s own interest has been connected to social and academic success; on the other hand, over-participation may be quite demanding and may consume much of their free time and thus interrupt with their academic curriculum as well. There are different outlooks of what is considered an extra-curricular activity (Annu, 2013).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Extracurricular activities experience has become an important component of students’ school life as many students today engage in various activities that they cherish. Different activities, in which students engage, both inside and outside the school environment, are among the numerous situations or agents that can have an influence on these concepts. The foregoing situation has given rise in our society to an almost massive involvement in after-school activities. Activities for supporting, complementing and strengthening not only the student’s school success, but also their personal development and other aspects (Mahoney et al., 2003). Extracurricular services are the services provided in school which students participate apart from the necessity of gaining a certificate. These extracurricular services provide additional advantages for students to manage stress and to grow the level of their skills, experiences, and functionality (Adeyemo, 2010; Ensturk et al., 2016).
In Nigeria, English serves several purposes that are very important to her existence. It is the lingua franca of the country and the official language in the society due to multi ethnic groups that speak different language. For this diversity of language, Nigeria needs one language that will bridge the linguistic barriers among its component states. The choice of such language (English) has been made for Nigeria by the British colonial administration; Uchechukwu (2008) observed that, English is spoken by more than a quarter of a billion people. It is becoming increasingly popular as a second language for non-English speaking people throughout the work. Thus, English is regarded as a second language. Nigeria civil service, government establishment armed forces, the public and judiciary system English is the prescribed language of communication among the various ethnic groups with different language background. In social gathering, English is used among people for social interaction.
English language is not only used in Nigeria but also has domains of usage in international levels too. Paul (2005) said that, English is flexible enough to be used for the most trivals conversation or for transacting the most important affairs of the day. Thus, it is English language that gives Nigeria opportunity to take part in the deliberation and decisions in international organization such as united nation organization common wealth of nation, world health organization.
According to Scrase (2003), English is not only important for getting a better job, but it is present everywhere in social interaction. A person’s second language is the language that is not their mother tongue, but it is used in that person’s geographical area. Before independence, English was considered as a foreign language because it was not widely spoken in our country nor was it for general use until it reached prominence and started to be used liberally. Teaching English as a second language has become significant around the globe. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Students' Participation in Extracurricular Activities and their Academic Performance in English Language.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that English is not native language of Nigeria and it is not being spoken in homes. For English students, it is very difficult for English at secondary level, and students are afraid of learning English, writing and learning English. Since the most important factor in the teaching learning process is the teacher, there is a great need to train more teachers in English language. Teachers provide background experiences for their students and also determine their academic achievement.
Earlier, there were insufficient investigations about the students in front of students in English at secondary level. This study was revealing facts and discovers what reasons behind its students are difficult to learn English. This study was also providing a solution to reducing its shortage.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to find out the level of Students' Participation in Extracurricular Activities and their Academic Performance in English Language in Public Secondary Schools in Uyo Local Government Area. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the different extracurricular activities perform in public secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area;
- To ascertain the possible influence of extracurricular activities on public secondary school student’s performance;
- To study and compared the enrich extracurricular ability performs in different age groups; and
- To find out the extent of English Major Students’ participation in extracurricular activities and its relationship to academic performance.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there a significant relationship between the students’ academic performance and extent of participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities?
- What is the academic performance of the students engaged in co-curricular and extracurricular activities?
- What is the possible influence of extracurricular activities on public secondary school student’s performance?
- To what extent does English Language Students participate in extracurricular activities?
- What is the relationship between academic performance and extracurricular activities?
- What are the different extracurricular activities perform in public secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Students' Participation in Extracurricular Activities and their Academic Performance in English Language in Public Secondary Schools in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
English:
It is the language of England, use in many varieties throughout the word.
Language:
This can be said to be human or the communication of all creature through the structural use of word. It is also a system of symbols and rules for writing something.
Problems:
It can be defined as something that is very difficult to deal with or understand.
Teaching:
It is a way of given lessons in a class to a learner. It is also a way to show someone how to do something.
Secondary:
It is the school of children from the age of 11 to 16 or 18.
Learner:
It is one who gains knowledge or skill of future changes in good behaviour.
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