Examining the Effect of Extracurricular Activities on Social Development, Creativity, and Problem-Solving Skills of Lower Secondary School Students from the Perspective of Teachers in Kermanshah (District 3)
Keywords:
Extracurricular activities, social development, creative skills, problem solvingAbstract
Extracurricular activities are among the factors through which adolescents can nurture their talents and enhance their problem-solving skills. The main objective of the present study was to examine the extent of the impact of extracurricular activities on social development, creativity, and problem-solving skills of lower secondary school students in Kermanshah (District 3) from the perspective of teachers in this district. This research employed a descriptive survey design. The sample size, determined based on Morgan’s formula, consisted of 297 secondary school teachers, and participants were selected using a stratified random sampling method. For data collection, a researcher-made questionnaire was employed in three areas: social development, creativity skills, and problem-solving skills. To analyze the data, both descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean) and inferential statistics (independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient) were used. The findings revealed that there is a significant difference between students who participate in extracurricular activities and those who do not, indicating that extracurricular activities contribute to an increase in students’ social development as well as creativity and problem-solving skills. Based on the results, creating opportunities for secondary school students to participate in extracurricular activities is of great importance and fulfills many of the objectives of the educational system.
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