Extra Curriculum in the Educational Setting

Education is the tools and means by which knowledge is attained. As the world around us continues to develop so does the thirst for knowledge continues to mature. Looking back at the ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Sumeria, and Egypt we could see the increase of knowledge being extended through regions and generations. In each developing society its citizens are faced with diverse circumstances which require a new understanding and/or maturity in its academic systems. In the following reflection I will be commenting on what I understand to be the extra curriculum in the educational setting, how does it strengthen education? And, how does it weaken education?

The extra curriculum in the educational setting is denoted by the academy’s ability to enhance and prepare a new genre of studies which will enhance not only the academic aspect of the student but the real live subjects which the student currently face and will need to master in order to be effective in his or her current society. Every day we are seeing a multiplication of knowledge being attained. Sometimes all this “head” knowledge doesn’t really prepare young adults for the real life circumstances which his or her society will face. In today’s academic setting we see schools developing programs such as sports, clubs, student government and others which try to help students extend their education beyond the core academic requirements. I believe that these extra curriculum programs do help students become “well rounded” individuals. Learning teamwork, leadership, rules and other aspects of character building from these EC activities is essential to the wholeness of one’s persona.

If schools are going to be the leading institution in which education is taught then it needs to take the lead in preparing, investigating and developing a program which models preparing the “whole person”. Some of the advantages found in extra curriculum that strengthen our educational programs are priceless, in the midst of a diverse generation we see in the arena of EC students learning how to interact, embrace and accept each other’s diversities. We also see “health” and sports playing a big role in the development of these young adults. By learning the essence of competition, governance and teamwork we see the confidence level of these students increase. Students leaving the academic setting with this type of esteem, achievement and learning will be vital for the obstacles facing these young adults in the real world.

The extra curriculum activity can also have some disadvantages which “weaken” the academic setting. With so much effort and money being spent on food and social events outside of the educational setting, students are wasting away their lives at an alarming rate. It is my contention that schools are playing a big role in the interception of these students but we all have a long way to go, including the parents. With sports being the “big” issue in student’s lives today, I believe all schools should set standards and programs that educate students on the importance of not falling into the pretext that sports and athletic teams is their solution. What good is having millions when you don’t know how to manage it, and if you do have a manager who is going to manage him or her?

The educational system is not thrilled on teaching much of time management and other vital topics which will lead to the success of these students. Keeping a balanced program in which academics are not lost in the midst of electives and sports arenas is going to be vital. I believe that one of the lessons in education should be in the inclination of attaining wisdom and applying it. Instead of students slamming into each other for a “goal”, why not train students how to attain a “goal” without slamming into each other.