Many students are eager to be on several extracurricular activities, thinking it would improve their academic grades or help them improve and develop personally. In the study of Collings (2021), participating in extracurricular activities is a common thing for High School students but the impact of it may be different for each student. The harming effect of excessive involvement on a students’ learning outcome Is being discussed continuously, even though it also improves social skills, leadership, and personal development. Moreover, understanding how participating in excessive extracurricular activities affects the experience of students, particularly students on the higher education, is not just about analyzing its advantages on the academic experience, but rather investigates how it helps support and cultivate abilities and skills that can potentially contribute to their future employment quality (Buckey & Lee, 2018). However, other studies state that over-participation might cause more stress, less study time, and poor time management. In the study of Acharya & Pillai (2022), participating in extracurricular activities can lessen stress, enhance academic achievement, and improve the overall well-being of the learner. When properly managed, it can be an outlet for students to release the pressure they experience from their academics while also enhancing their experience at school. Extracurricular activities can be a stress reliever and make room for development when they are properly blended in the routine of the students.
This research aimed to examine the Impact of excessive extracurricular activities on the learning outcomes of High School Students at Siena College of San Jose, Inc., and it aimed to answer the following questions:
1.What is the demographic profile of the students in terms of;
1.1number of extracurricular activities participating in; and
1.2hours spent on extracurricular activities per week?
2.How does excessive extracurricular activities affect the learning outcomes of high school students in terms of;
2.1 focus;
2.2 time management; and
2.3 overall academic performance?
3. What support do students need to better balance their academic and extracurricular responsibilities?
4. What are the recommendation of the students for the school to improve event planning and provide better support them in balancing their academic and extracurricular responsibilities?
Research Design
This study used a descriptive-correlational research design to examine the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on the learning outcomes of high school students at Siena College of San Jose, Inc. It is used to gather data on the number of extracurricular activities that student participate in, as well as their perception on how it affects their academic performance, focus, and overall well-being. Also, this aimed to determine the relationship between extracurricular activities and the learning outcomes of students. Descriptive-correlation research design is appropriate for this study as it seeked to understand the patterns, relationship, and how extracurricular activities potentially affect students.
Research Instrument
The researchers utilized both quantitative and qualitative data using a survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire contained a combination of close-ended questions with the use of multiple-choice and likert-scale, and open-ended questions to get insights from the respondents, to ensure a deeper understanding of the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on the learning outcomes of high school students from Siena College of San Jose, Inc.
Sampling Technique
This research used a stratified random sampling method to have an equal representation of students from each grade levels. The stratification sampling method will be used based on the Grade levels of studnts (Grade 7-12), while the random sampling method will be used to select random students from each grade level, the population was 432 and the sample size is 165 overall. This allowed the researchers to gather data from a wide range of respondents, capturing a broad perspective of how extracurricular activities affect the learning outcomes of students. Also, it ensures a fair representation of respondents and avoid bias.
Research Locale
This study was conducted at a private catholic school located in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, called Siena College of San Jose, Inc. This school is known for its quality education and activities, which may require students to participate.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researchers first obtained permission from the school administrations of Siena College of San Jose, Inc. The researchers distributed a printed or digital form (Google form) of the structured survey to students from Grade 7-12, depending on the accessibility and convenience of students. The researchers provided a clear instruction on how to answer the survey properly, and ensure honest responses. Ethical considerations such as students’ consent, confidentiality, and anonymity of the respondents was strictly observed in the process of data collection. Then, the data collected are organized, reviewed, and analyzed to fully understand the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on the learning outcomes of High school students.
Data Analysis
This research used both quantitative and qualitative data to examine the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on students’ learning outcome. The quantitative data is analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency, and mean to help identify the patterns related to the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on the focus, time management, and the overall academic performance of students. The qualitative data is analyzed using thematic analysis. The data will help the researchers find a connection between the number of activities that students participate in and the impact of it on their learning outcomes.
1.1 Number of extracurricular activities participating in
Majority of students (57.0%) participate in 1 to 2 extracurricular activities, meaning most of the students chose only to participate in 1-2 extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, 27.3% are involved in 3 to 4 activities, and only 6.7% engage in 5 or more, indicating that most students prefer limited involvement. Additionally, 9.1% do not participate in any extracurricular activities.
1.2 Hours spent on extracurricular activities per week
The majority of students (69.7%) spend less than 5 hours per week on extracurricular activities, suggesting that most students prioritize academics or have limited time for additional commitments. Meanwhile, 25.5% dedicate between 5 to 10 hours, indicating a moderate level of involvement. Only a small fraction (4.8%) invest more than 10 hours weekly, showing that a few students are highly committed to extracurricular activities despite their academic responsibilities. This distribution reflects that while many students engage in extracurriculars, they tend to limit their time spent on them.
2.1 The Effect of Excessive Extracurricular Activities on the Focus of Students
Based on the survey results, students' focus is moderately affected by extracurricular activities. Among the respondents, 10 stated that they 'always' experience difficulty focusing due to extracurricular activities, while 57 mentioned they 'often' encounter this issue. The majority, 71 respondents, indicated that they 'sometimes' struggle with maintaining focus, suggesting that while extracurricular activities can be distracting, they do not consistently hinder students' concentration. Meanwhile, 27 respondents answered 'never', implying that for some students, extracurricular activities do not pose a significant challenge to their ability to focus on academics.
2.2 The Effect of Excessive Extracurricular Activities on the Time Management of of Students
The average weighted mean of 3.12 (Neutral) suggests that while some students struggle with time management due to extracurricular activities, others are able to balance their academic and extracurricular responsibilities. However, the highest-ranked statement indicates that many students submit schoolwork late because of their involvement in extracurricular activities.
2.3 The Effect of Excessive Extracurricular Activities on the Overall Academic Performance of Students
The question assessing students’ confidence in maintaining good academic performance while actively participating in extracurricular activities received a weighted mean of 2.23 (Disagree), indicating that most students struggle to balance both effectively. Meanwhile, the question regarding whether students feel overwhelmed by the combined pressure of academics and extracurricular activities had a weighted mean of 2.63 (Neutral), suggesting mixed responses, with some students finding it manageable while others experience stress. The Overall average weighted mean of 2.43 (Disagree) suggests that the majority believe excessive participation in extracurricular activities negatively affects their academic performance, highlighting challenges related to time management, workload distribution, and maintaining high academic standards.
Students often struggle with juggling multiple responsibilities, leading to overlapping commitments and a need for proactive time management training. They advocate for workshops and scheduling tools for organization, prioritization, and stress reduction. A balanced calendar is crucial for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout. A strategic approach, prioritizing academic tasks before extracurricular commitments, is also recognized as a key element in achieving a healthy balance. These resources are essential for students to prioritize their academic tasks and avoid burnout.
Student feedback highlights the need for improved strategic event planning in schools. Poorly coordinated schedules can lead to conflicts between academic deadlines and extracurricular activities. Students advocate for well-structured schedules, advance notice, and a centralized master calendar to manage potential conflicts and reduce stress. They call for greater prioritization and time dedicated to planning, as lack of foresight often leads to disruptions. Another concern is avoiding overlapping events, which can lead to conflicts between extracurricular activities and academic responsibilities. Students suggest avoiding conflicts with exam periods and a balanced schedule that accommodates both. Experiences from students who have faced last-minute "cramming outputs" and distractions from overlapping events emphasize the importance of a thoughtful approach to scheduling. A balanced and supportive event planning strategy is also crucial to manage commitments effectively.
This study highlights the impact of excessive extracurricular activities on high school students' learning outcomes at Siena College of San Jose, Inc. While most students participate in one or two activities and spend less than five hours weekly, excessive involvement moderately affects their focus and time management, leading to distractions and late submissions. However, no significant impact was found on overall academic performance, as students respond differently to workload challenges. To support students in balancing academics and extracurriculars, they emphasize the need for time management workshops, scheduling tools, and structured support systems. Additionally, students recommend improved event planning, including a centralized master calendar and better scheduling strategies to prevent conflicts with academic deadlines. These findings suggest that a balanced approach to extracurricular involvement, along with strategic planning and institutional support, is essential to fostering student success and well-being.
To support students in balancing their academic and extracurricular responsibilities, schools should provide time management workshops, scheduling tools, and structured guidance. A well-organized event planning system with advance notice and a centralized master calendar can prevent conflicts between deadlines and activities, allowing students to plan effectively. Teachers should also recognize students’ commitments and offer flexibility in deadlines and workload when necessary to prevent burnout. Additionally, regular assessments through surveys and evaluations can help the school understand the impact of extracurricular involvement on students’ well-being and academic performance, enabling necessary adjustments.
Furthermore, schools should actively involve students in decision-making regarding scheduling and activity planning to ensure their concerns are addressed. Strengthening communication between students, teachers, and administrators can foster a more supportive academic environment. Counseling services, wellness programs, and mental health support should also be available to help students manage stress and maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities. By implementing these strategies, schools can create a system that promotes both personal development and academic success without overwhelming students.
Collings, L. (2021). The impact of extracurricular activities and high school students. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Impact-of-Extracurricular-Activities-and-High-Collings/21e6c63cb45c2c21ad67f1d04c07fe3a604c2143
Buckley, P., & Lee, P. (2018). The impact of extra-curricular activity on the student experience. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787418808988
Acharya, V., Pillai, R., & Mukesh H V. (2022). Are Extracurricular Activities Stress Busters to Enhance Students’ Well-being and Academic Performance? Evidence from a natural experiment. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358284117_Are_extracurricular_activities_stress_busters_to_enhance_students'_well-being_and_academic_performance_Evidence_from_a_natural_experiment
Tariq, N. (2018). Effects of Extracurricular Activities on Students. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327052180_Effects_of_Extracurricular_Activities_on_Students
Sabuj, M. I. (2017). Analysis of the impact of extracurricular activities on the academic achievement of high school students. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321148386_Analysis_of_the_impact_of_extracurricular_activities_on_the_academic_achievement_of_high_school_students
Elsass, A. (2024, November 7). Overloaded and overwhelmed: The impact of excessive extracurriculars on students’ mental health. Dons Press. https://elcidonline.com/columns-2/2024/11/07/overloaded-and-overwhelmed-the-impact-of-excessive-extracurriculars-on-students-mental-health/
Abizada, A., Gurbanova, U., Iskandarova, A., & Nadirzada, N. (2020). The effect of extracurricular activities on academic performance in secondary school: The case of Azerbaijan. International Review of Education, 66(4), 487–507. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09833-2