STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TOTHEIR LEVEL OF SATISFACTION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT

This mixed-methods descriptive-correlational study investigated the extent of student engagement in co-curricular activities (CCAs) at St. Paul University Philippines, its relationship with students’ level of satisfaction and academic performance, and the challenges encountered. A total of 578 student-participants and 20 faculty-participants from across tertiary programs were involved, using stratified random sampling for students. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire (checklist, engagement scale, satisfaction scale, open-ended questions) and documentary analysis. Statistical tools included frequency, percentage, mean, T-test, ANOVA, Pearson r, and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students have a very great extent of engagement in CCAs across cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains, and a very high level of satisfaction with their participation in all activity types (e.g., sports, clubs, seminars). The participants’ academic performance was assessed as good. There were no significant differences in engagement extent across gender, year level, or school, but significant differences were found in the level of satisfaction when grouped by gender, year level, and school. Crucially, a significant positive relationship was found between the extent of CCA engagement and the level of satisfaction. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation exists between students’ extent of CCA engagement and their level of academic performance. Major challenges identified qualitatively included Time Management and Scheduling Conflicts, Resource and Support Constraints, and Fatigue and Burnout. Based on these results, a proposed co-curricular program for college students at St. Paul University Philippines was developed. The study concludes that students are highly engaged and satisfied with CCAs, and this active participation is positively linked to their academic success, underscoring the need for institutional support for the proposed enhancement program.

Keywords: Co-curricular activities (CCAs), student engagement, level of satisfaction, academic performance
https://doi.org/10.57180/loat1349