The use of extracurricular activities in promoting the holistic development of learners in multicultural schools of the Free State province

Abstract

It is well documented in literature that participation in extracurricular activities in schools has a positive influence on learners’ attendance, participation, scholastic achievements and career aspirations. On the otherhand, it is also noted that the lack or in some cases, the non-existence of extracurricular activities stifle learners’ growth and learning, especially in multicultural school settings, where the foundation for learners’ development has to occur in a conducive environment. Most multicultural primary schools in the Free State province, in particular the Letjweleputswa educational district, seem not to use extracurricular activities as an effective tool in promoting learners’ holistic development. This phenomenon initiated this study to persue it’s main aim, which is to assess teachers’ role in promoting the holistic development of learners in multicultural school settings of the Free State province, in particular, the Lejweleputswa educational district A mixed method approach was persued in realising the objectives for this study. Questionnaires were used to ascertain teachers’ perceptions regarding their role in promoting the holistic development of learners through extracurricular activities and how they use these activities in advancing learners’ physical, cognitive, social, academic, spiritual and emotional development. Learners’ views and lived experiences on the use of extracurricular activities in promoting their holistic development was ascertained via semi- structured focus group interviews. Research findings revealed that schools offer extracurricular activities to varying degrees and that some activities are non-existent at most institutions. A total of 29.23% teachers did not participate in extracurricular activities, whilst 47.69% of teachers participate at least once a week in activities. Teacher participants appear to lack knowledge, skills, commitment, willingness and enthusiasm to encourage learners to participate in extracurricular activities and as such come forth as being unsure of how extracurricular activities could possibly promote the holistic development of their learners. Learner participants stated that their involvement in extracurricular activities could give them a greater chance of being employed; of getting a better job one day; of being accepted into university; and of developing certain attributes, such as creativity, innovation, and endurance. The study recommends that multicultural schools in the Free State province, in particular the Letjweleputswa educational district need to implement various extracurricular activities as to develop a range of traits and competencies for their learners- this response of schools could possible cultivate an institutional atmosphere for the development of learners’ physical, emotional, cognitive, social, moral underpinnings, problem-solving, academic, life-skills, well-being, leadership skills, analytical skills, and communication skills.