Contribution of Extracurricular Activities on Students’ Retention: A Focus on Public Secondary Schools in Bariadi District, Tanzania

Evance Yintore and Dr. Chrispina Lekule
St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Email: yintoreevance.ey@gmail.com; chrispina.lekule@saut.ac.tz

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which extracurricular activities contribute to student retention in public secondary schools. The study employed a mixed research approach, and a convergent parallel design. Closed and open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interview guide and non-participatory observation method were used for data collection. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were utilized in securing a sample of 116 respondents who were involved in the study as source of data. These included 100 students, 5 Heads of school, 5 sports and games teachers, 5 discipline teachers from five public secondary schools in Bariadi district council, including one District Secondary Education Officer. Quantitative data were analyzed through the help of SPSS version 21, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that student participation in extracurricular activities like sports and games, scouts, social clubs as well as student leadership, make them get more engaged, enjoy school life and persevere in their studies. The study also established that extracurricular activities are excellent means of motivating students, which is crucial to their retention. The study recommends governmental and non -governmental leaders to invest more on constructing facilities in schools which can be used for extracurricular activities which promote students’ socialization and sense of belonging which in the long term promotes student retention. To avoid being too monotonous in extracurricular activities, school leaders and teachers should endeavor to be more innovative in introducing a variety of activities which are more attractive and engaging to students.