The Contribution Of Extracurricular Activities In Enhancing Students’ Retention In Secondary Schools: A Case Of Songea Municipality

ABSTRACT

This study intended to examine the contribution of extracurricular activities in enhancing retention of students in secondary schools. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approach, and data were collected from four secondary schools in Songea Municipality. This study was guided by three objectives and employed cross-sectional survey research design. The data were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and documentary review. The study involved 208 participants; 192 being students, four head of schools, four guidance and counseling teachers, four discipline masters and four sports masters and one sport mistress. Non proportional stratified sampling was used to select student participants while teacher participants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed through content analysis computing frequencies and percentages with the help SPSS (version 20). The findings of the study showed that participation in extracurricular activities like sports, scout, student leadership and music increased retention of students in secondary schools. It was also revealed that positive peer pressure as the result of bonds among students themselves promoted sense of belongingness to school, made students eager to stay in school and better school attendance. Finally, the study recommends that educational stakeholders like the Government, parents and teachers should ensure that resources for extracurricular activities such as play grounds are made available and students are encouraged to participate. Further studies should be done to investigate the contribution of other activities like academic clubs and fine arts in retention, and a study on variety strategies which may also help to make students stay in school.