Association Between Participation in Sport and Academic Achievement of Preparatory Students in Adama Town, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2016-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sport participation and
academic performance of preparatory school students. Sports and academic performance of
students has been a topic of study for years. On the one hand, supporters of sports program in
educational institutions say that participation in sports improves students’ grades, academic
achievement, raises their educational aspirations, and keep them in schools. On the other hand,
others say that participation in sports distract time away from the classroom and divert students’
attention from study. It is not possible for students to achieve excellence in sports as well as in
education. The study was conducted in two Government and two private preparatory schools of
Adama Town, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia. An interview question and a structured
questionnaire on five point Likert scale were developed and utilized for collection of data. 10
education officials, coaches, sport teachers and 204 students were selected through purposive
and random sampling techniques respectively. The data derived from these likert scales were
evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 19.0 software through
descriptive statistics (Mean), independent samples t-test (p<0.05) and Pearson Product Moment
Correlation (p<0.01). The result of the study revealed that there is association between
participation in sports and performance in education and participation in sports improves the
Class Marks (Scores), ability of students to succeed academically, and mental or cognitive
development. This study also confirmed that Sports activities are very useful and helpful for
enhancing students’ capability to learning and development. Both teachers and sport coaches
should consider ways to best foster sport capacity among students.
Keywords: Preparatory school students, sports’ participation, academic achievement
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Keywords
Preparatory School Students, Sports, Participation, Academic Achievement