Do Extracurricular Activities Improve Your Grades?

Extracurricular activities have far-reaching social, psychological Rosetta Stone software and physical benefits for students. Participating in activities outside of an academic setting allow students to explore social, career and political interests and to broaden social skills. Extracurricular activities also show colleges and potential employers that you have the ability for commitment and desire to make a meaningful contribution. Participating in many extracurricular activities has also been shown to improve academic grades. Research Supporting the Benefits of Extracurricular ActivitiesResearch from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation has shown participating in extracurricular activities improves academic performance and positive attitudes towards learning. These findings were also found in research conducted by The Montana State University Extension Service, which found that students participating in extracurricular activities have an increased likelihood of completing tasks and graduating from high school. Extracurricular activities may also improve grades by preventing behavior that has a negative Rosetta Stone Chinese effect on grades, such as petty crime and taking drugs. Four types of extracurricular activities have been shown to help improve grades. Foreign Languages Learning another language outside of regular class time is an excellent way to improve grades in general, not just within the foreign language domain. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages found that learning another language improves reading ability and cognitive skills such as attentional control and metalinguistic skills. This research also indicated a strong correlation between learning Rosetta Stone French a foreign language and high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT exams. This correlation was also found at a college level.ArtsActivities that encourage creativity and expressiveness are an excellent way to improve a student's grades. A dance class, for example, can improve a child's memory as he learns the steps for the dance. It can also help improve knowledge about sequencing, communication and following directions. Painting, drawing, crafts and other performing arts activities such as drama are other examples of extracurricular activities that can boost grades. Sports Playing sports boosts important skills such as strategic thinking and motor skills. Playing sports also promotes leadership and teamwork skills as well as a sense of discipline. Research conducted by Ralph B. McNeal from the University of Connecticut found students who participated in soccer maintained a sign Ificantly higher grade point average during soccer season when compared with grades out of season. This research indicates participation in sports may improve academic performance. Academia [ Rosetta Stone Software ] Volunteering for activities such as writing for the school paper or joining a chess club can improve grades and promote a positive attitude towards learning. Many academic activities such as acting on the student council teach skills such as responsibility and problem solving.