THE IMPACT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON THE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS

Abstract

Interpersonal skills are fundamental competencies that enable individuals to communicate effectively, build relationships, and collaborate with others. For senior secondary students, who are at a crucial stage of social and emotional development, these skills are particularly important for academic success and overall well-being. Extracurricular activities, which include sports, clubs, arts, volunteer work, and other non-academic pursuits, offer unique opportunities for students to interact socially, work in teams, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership qualities. This study aims to explore the impact of participation in extracurricular activities on the development of interpersonal skills among senior secondary students. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed to assess the relationship between extracurricular involvement and interpersonal skill development. The sample consisted of 150 senior secondary students from various urban schools, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that measured key dimensions of interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership, alongside an inventory documenting students’ participation in different extracurricular activities. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between active participation in extracurricular activities and higher levels of interpersonal skills. Students engaged in team sports and group-based activities demonstrated better communication and collaboration abilities, while those involved in leadership roles within clubs showed enhanced leadership and conflict-resolution skills. Furthermore, the study highlighted that consistent involvement over time contributed to more pronounced development in interpersonal competencies compared to sporadic participation. The results suggest that extracurricular activities serve as vital platforms for experiential learning and social interaction, which are critical for interpersonal skill enhancement. This study underscores the need for educators and school administrators to actively encourage and facilitate student involvement in a diverse range of extracurricular programs. Promoting such participation not only supports students' social development but also contributes to creating a more engaging and supportive school environment. Future research could further investigate specific types of activities and their unique contributions to different interpersonal skills.