Influence of Resources Allocation for Co-Curricular Activities on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Aberdare Central Region, Kenya

Abstract

School curriculum is meant to expose learners to both academic benefits and also enable them to un-earth their talents. Concerns have been raised about the Kenyan system of secondary education that it is very much examination oriented at the expense of co-curricular activities. The purpose of this study was to   examine the influence of co-curricular resources allocation on academic performance of secondary school students of Aberdare Central Region. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess resources allocated for co-curricular activities, to investigate and examine whether allocated resources influence students' participation in co-curricular activities and to establish whether resources allocation in games and sports as components of co-curricular activities influence their academic performance. Descriptive research design was used. The study was guided by the multiple intelligences theory by Gardener which suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q.is far too limited and suggested use of eight different intelligences to account for broader range of human potential in children and adults. A sample of 380 students from thirty nine secondary schools, 39 principals, 39 co-curricular activities teachers and one CQASO participated in the study. Questionnaires for principals, students and teachers in charge of co-curricular activities and an interview schedule for CQASO were used to collect needed data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis and presented in form of frequency tables and charts. The findings indicated that the resources allocated for co-curricular activities were relevant to academic performance since, a correlation of 0.988 and p-value 0.014 were obtained for allocation of funds as a resource and academic performance. The time allocated for co-curricular activities as a resource and academic performance had a correlation of 0.766 and p-value of 0.044, while the physical facilities as a resource had a correlation of 0.963 and p-value of 0.019. The study is beneficial to all stakeholders in secondary education. The study recommends enhancement of resources allocation for co-curriculum activities in secondary schools to enhance improvement in KCSE performance.