AN ASSESSMENT OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS’ LEARNING

Abstract

This study assesses the effects of co-curricular activities on students’ learning at a higher education institution. The paper describes how co-curricular activities support the learning amongst the first year students in higher education. Specifically, it examined the aspects of learning when students are engaged in co-curricular activities. A total of 52 students were interviewed. The respondents were students from three different colleges at an institution. The respondents were interviewed at the end of their first year. The findings revealed that co-curricular activities promote curricular learning; strengthen social adaptation; helps to foster community engagement; and stimulate readiness for leadership. The results of the study imply that informal learning during co-curricular activities at the first year support the upcoming learning of students in the higher institutions. The impact of the learning at co-curricular activities serves as the catalyst towards the education for students’ holistic development. Therefore, the learning during co-curricular activities should be integrated in curriculum planning and co curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation.