EFFECTS OF

EXTRACURRICULAR

GROUP ACTIV

ITIES:

WH I C H I S B E T T E R ; H E T E R O G E N E O U S O R H O M O G E N O U S ?

INTROTodays youth have a wide variety of choices they can make on

how to spend their time outside of the classroom. Many choose to be involved in diverse group activities, while others choose to spend their time on their own or with others like themselves.

PROBLEM STATEMENTThe big question is which direction, positive heterogeneous

group interaction or positive homogenous growth, will yield the best developmental outcomes? With the choices of extracurricular involvement youth have today, many youth choose activities that lead them to trouble or does not produce positive development growth.

PURPOSE STATEMENTThe purpose of this study is to determine whether the

developmental outcomes of youth involved in heterogeneous extracurricular group activities are greater than the outcomes of those in homogeneous activities. The differences between the two groups will be measured by looking at the academic success, behavior, (inside & outside of school), and the self-esteem of the youth in each group. By examining the progress of the youth in each group. By examining the progress of the youth in each of these areas, this research should produce an accurate view of the “total” progress of each participating member.

GUIDING QUESTIONSHow does being a part of a group impact academic, behavior,

and self-esteem growth?Is academic success directly related to involvement with

extracurricular activities?Which group influences better behavior?How is self-esteem affected by involvement in both types of

extracurricular groups?

DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECTSSample of 10th – 12th grade students in the Construction &

Manufacturing class at R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center.

9th – 12th grade male students on the Woodruff High School football team

RESEARCH METHODOLOGYQualitative Research Design

ObservationsInterviewsDocument analysisQuestionnaires

LITERATURECristina B. Gibson:

“Building Multicultural Teams: Learning to Manage Homogeneity and Heterogeneity”

Eccles and Barber:“Student Council, Volunteering, Basketball, or Marching Band: What Kind of Extracurricular Involvement Matters?”“Extracurricular Activities and Adolescent Development”

IMPLICATIONSResults of this study will sere the purpose of showing:

The effects Heterogeneous extracurricular activity has on a student’s academics, behavior, and self-esteem.

The effects Homogeneous extracurricular activity has on a student’s academics, behavior, and self-esteem.

Which of the two groups shows signs of being more effective in promoting higher developmental outcomes in the areas of academics, behavior, and self-esteem.