Fostering 21st-Century Competencies: The Impact of After-School Activities

 The aim of my research was to examine the impact of extracurricular activities on the development of students’ competencies (creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, digital and scientific literacy) and their motivation for learning.

The study used a quantitative method with anonymous questionnaires (16 questions) for students from grades 6–9. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to show students’ attitudes, the time spent in activities, and the impact on regular school obligations.

Results showed that 72% of students participate to learn something new, 55% to develop their personal talents, and 68% believe that the activities positively affect their time management and academic performance. The most frequently developed skills are communication, teamwork, creativity, and responsibility. 80% of students reported full parental support for participation.

Key projects with proven success include: Eratosthenes Experiment (STEM, European Quality Label), Ecological Citizenship (Ecology, European Quality Label), Little Wizards, and Carbon Footprint (National Quality Labels).

This research enabled the introduction of new STEM, ecological, and digital activities into teaching and highlights the teacher’s role as a mentor and innovator. The data and results can serve as a good practice example for other teachers to develop competencies and motivate students.

                                                                                                          Aida Petrovska

1.     Who encouraged you to participate in extracurricular activities?

• Myself
• Parents
• Teachers
• Friends
• Other (please specify) _____________________

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: Myself
• Red: Parents
• Orange: Friends
• Green: Teachers

 2.     Why did you participate in extracurricular activities?

• I find them interesting
• I want to relax
• I want to learn something new
• To make new friends
• To develop my talents
• To improve my health / fitness
• Other (please specify) _________________________

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: I find them interesting
• Red: I want to learn something new
• Orange: To develop my talents
• Green: I want to relax
• Purple: To fulfill my parents’ wishes

3.     Would you like to participate in more activities?

• Yes
• No
  If your answer is "Yes," which ones? — Short answer: _______________

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: Yes
• Red: No
• Other colors: various specific activities such as forest/nature research, dancing, humanitarian actions, gymnastics, etc.

 4.     How much time do you spend weekly on extracurricular activities?

• 1 school lesson
• 2 school lessons
• 3–5 school lessons
• More than 5 school lessons

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: 1 school lesson
• Red: 2 school lessons
• Orange: 3–5 school lessons
• Green: More than 5 school lessons

5.     How do you evaluate the impact of extracurricular activities on your school obligations?

• Positive
• Negative
• No impact

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: Positive
• Red: Negative
• Orange: No impact

Skills Development and Personal Experience

6.     Which skills have you developed thanks to extracurricular activities?

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Organizational skills
• Creativity
• Physical endurance
• Self-confidence
• Discipline and responsibility
• Other (please specify)

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: Communication
• Red: Teamwork
• Orange: Organizational skills
• Green: Creativity
• Purple: Self-confidence
• Light blue: Discipline and responsibility
• Pink: Everything written above
• Dark green: None

7.     Do extracurricular activities help you reduce stress?

• Yes
• No
• Sometimes

(Pie chart legend)

• Blue: Yes
• Red: No
• Orange: Sometimes

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