Demand for Extracurricular Activities Amongst Primary School Students: Exploratory Evidence from Survey Data in Penang (Malaysia)

• Published in: The Asia-Pacific education researcher Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 125 - 135
• Main Authors: Jelani, Juliana, Tan, Andrew K. G., Mohd-Zaharim, Norzarina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Singapore 01.03.2015; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Art Education; Education; Educational Demand; Educational Policy; Educational Policy and Politics; Elementary School Students; Equal Education; Ethnicity; Extracurricular Activities; Family Income; Foreign Countries; International and Comparative Education; Learning and Instruction; Learning Processes; Music Education; Parent Background; Preferences; Primary Education; Regular Article; Religious Education; Sociodemographics; Socioeconomic Status; Sociology of Education; Student Participation; Studies; Surveys; Malaysia; Participation likelihoods; Malaysia; Extracurricular activities; Primary school students
• ISSN: 0119-5646; 2243-7908
• DOI: 10.1007/s40299-013-0165-y

This exploratory study examines the sociodemographic factors associated with extracurricular activity (ECA) participation of primary school students in Penang (Malaysia). The dichotomous choice Logit model is applied on survey data of 459 respondents. Results indicate that household affluence, ethnicity, education level of parent, and schooling level of the child are significant factors associated with ECA participation likelihoods. Several observations are noted. First, measures to introduce free/subsidized non-academic classes to all school children should be considered to prevent social inequalities with regards to ECA favouring wealthier households. Second, there exists a divergence of ECA selections even amongst ethnic groups, with Chinese families favouring music and arts, while Malay households are more inclined towards religious studies. Third, education policymakers should be cognizant of the advantages of ECA beyond the academic realm when designing future educational curriculum. Last, contemporary childhood upbringing methods in Malaysia favour equal opportunities in ECA participation irrespective of gender.