Global Advanced Research Journal of Educational Research and Reviews (GARJERR) ISSN: 2315-5132

September 2015, 4(9): pp. 165-169

Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Review

Extracurricular Activities and Academic Achievement: A Literature Review

¹Marie Correa, ²Brandon K. Dumas, ³Chanika Jones, ⁴Victor Mbarika and ⁵Isaac M. Ong'oa 

¹Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, P.O. Box 9656, Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813, U.S.A

²Office of the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813-9723, U.S.A.

³International Center for Information Technology and Development, College of Business, P.O. Box 9723, Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813-9723, U.S.A.

⁴International Center for Information Technology and Development, College of Business, P.O. Box 9723, Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813-9723, U.S.A.

⁵Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, P.O. Box 9656, Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813, U.S.A

Corresponding author Email: marie_correa_01@subr.edu

Accepted 16 May, 2015

Abstract

This paper explores the literature on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic achievement of college students. Some studies support that extracurricular activities can negatively impact student performance. Other studies emphasize the positive effect of student engagement in activities out of the classroom. However, they point that not all activities are beneficial to academic growth, and the benefits of student engagement vary across activities. There are polemics on the effect of Greek Letter Organizations. Some benefits include leadership development, increase in self-esteem, and attachment to the institution. Major-related activities provide good student satisfaction and higher academic performance.

Keywords: Extracurricular Activities, Academic Achievement, Literature Review, Students.