P.E. 584 Dr. Mintah Final Power Point

The Positive Influence of Athletics On High School Students : 

The Positive Influence of Athletics On High School Students Robert S. Verdugo Azusa Pacific University June 16, 2010

Abstract : 

Abstract 1st Hypothesis: A correlation between a higher GPA when student athletes participate in extracurricular activities. 2nd Hypothesis: Demonstrate that participating in extracurricular activities leads to an increase in satisfaction levels of athletes. 3rd Hypothesis: Measure self-esteem levels when student athletes participate in extracurricular activities.

Literature Review : 

Literature Review Enjoyment is one aspect of a series of multiple processes that student athletes’ gain from their involvement in school sponsored activities. Student athletes begin to establish friends through these positive influences which increase their satisfaction level for participating in sports.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, A certain percentage of high school students participate in extracurricular activities for the intrinsic value associated with these activities. Research indicates that organized sport involvement can have positive influences by helping to build self-esteem and provide a sense of enjoyment.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, Creating a lifestyle that promotes an environment where student athletes are seeking a level of satisfaction and enjoyment while participating in high school athletics is incumbent upon educators and administrative personal.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, Physical Education is an important aspect of promoting physical activity among student athletes during high school. For a large percentage of high school students an important part of the secondary school experience begins with physical education activities.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, One important element of team sports that has far reaching benefits for their student athlete is the social aspect of belonging to a group of individuals dedicated to the same positive result. Physical education provides a meaningful connection between the student athletes and their community in which they reside.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, Student athletes must learn to communicate with their teammates and referees in order to earn the respect of their peers. Student athletes are more motivated and excited to continue to participate in high school athletics when they realize their high school experience can be more rewarding.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, Studies suggest that influencing and motivating student athletes is critical for their success to continue to participate outside the classroom in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. The enjoyment level of playing sports is key to an athletes desire to remain committed to their teams’ activities and competitive games.

Literature Review Cont, : 

Literature Review Cont, Colleges and Universities are placing a premium on the value of a high GPA as a way to maintain a priority on academics while the athlete competes in high school athletics. This theory is discussed among physical education instructors and coaches who see the benefits of higher education for their student athletes.

Method : 

Method A (20) twenty question survey designed to understand the positive influence that participating in high school athletics offers to high school age adolescents. Participants are students who attend a public high school in Los Angeles County.

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, The two page survey questionnaire was administered by four separate teachers to their students who are enrolled in their classes. All of these teachers are regularly employed by this public high school.

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, A total of 115 students participated in the two page survey questionnaire. (n=54) Males (n=61) Females The classification of these students was categorized by their grade level.

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, Ethnic Data The total student sample population 115: African American____________10 = 9% Latino_____________________79 = 69% Native American_____________4 = 3% Euro American______________10 = 9% Asian American______________6 = 5% No Answers_________________6 = 5%

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, “Do you have a higher GPA when you are participating in your extracurricular activity?” Yes: 59 students = 51% of the sample population. No: 52 students = 45% of the sample population. No Answers: 4 = 4% of the sample population

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, “Do you have a lower GPA when you are participating in your extracurricular activity?” Yes: 15 = 13% of the sample student population. No: 98 = 85% of the sample student population. No Answers: 2 = 1% of the sample student population.

Method Cont, : 

Method Cont, These numbers suggest that student athletes have a higher grade point average when they compete during their extracurricular activities, and a higher percentage of students do not have a lower grade point average.

Results : 

Results The data from the survey: 69% of students checked Athletics… as their preferred choice of extracurricular activities. 17% of students checked Academics… 16% of students checked Club… 15% of students checked Drama… 12% of students checked Music…

Results Cont, : 

Results Cont, “Does your extracurricular activity give you a sense of satisfaction?” Very satisfied: 46 students = 40%. Moderately satisfied /Somewhat satisfied: 53 students = 46%. Not satisfied: 8 students = 7%. No Answers: 8 students = 7%

Results Cont, : 

Results Cont, “Does your extracurricular activity give you a sense of self esteem?” High self-esteem: 35 = 30% of the students. Moderate self-esteem: 60 = 52% of the students. Low/No self-esteem: 13 = 11% of the students. No answers: 7 = 6% of the students.

Results Cont, : 

Results Cont, A total of 85% of the student sample population believes that a high to moderate level of self-esteem is part of a positive influence of participating in high school activities.

Discussion : 

Discussion The data revealed that both male and female participants’ grade point averages showed an increase on average when the students participated in their academic and athletic extracurricular activities.

Conclusions : 

Conclusions According to the data, the social impact and benefit that playing a sport for both males and females was a key component for the student athletes to remain actively involved with their extracurricular activity.

Recommendation : 

Recommendation This report has limitations because of the narrow scope of a sample population at one high school. A more thorough study could examine the extracurricular activities of two separate high schools from two different locations which would yield data and pertinent information that would closely correlate to the adolescent high school population in the United States.