What is Co-curricular activities? Types, Disadvantages, & Advantages

Since the dawn of learning, the idea of education has consistently adhered to its prevalent principles of fostering not only academic but also the non-academic courses of study in the study curriculum. The educational institutions are manifestations of the principles and hold the utmost responsibility of encouraging intellectual, social and physical development in the students. While these components form the overall development, all of them have different attributes. Physical development, in particular, extensively relies on extra-curricular/ co-curricular activities. But what is meant by co-curricular activities? What are its advantages and disadvantages? What are the different types of co-curricular activities?

What is the definition of Co-curricular activities?

Co-curricular activities are non-academic programs, which, to the popular belief appear not to contribute to the subject-related academics, but do so in many ways. Co-curricular activities in the school play a very significant role in reinforcing overall development in students by fostering them with necessary qualities and skills that enhance understanding levels and academic learning capabilities.

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Types of Co-curricular Activities

From the above definition of co-curricular activities, it is evident that any activity/program that compliments to academic curriculum whilst adding value to the overall development of students is acceptable as a co-curricular activity.

Whether the recreation is conducted outside the classroom or inside—within four walls of the class—all types of co-curricular activities that righteously hold the fundamental values can be trusted to add to the mental, physical, and social development of students.

Co-curricular activities can simply be classified into 2 types: Indoor and Outdoor activities.

Indoor Co-curricular Activities

Indoor co-curricular activities are events that occur inside a classroom.

Examples:

• Story/ Essay writing competition
• Art & Craft
• Sculpture making
• Science exhibitions
• Classroom wall decoration
• Debate competitions
• Drama
• . . .

Outdoor Co-curricular Activities

Outdoor co-curricular activities are events that occur outside the classroom.

Examples:

• Sports
• Music festival
• Photography
• Fancy dress competition
• Dance Competitions
• . . .

Advantages of Co-curricular Activities - Benefits

The benefits of co-curricular activities require no explanation if the definition is well-understood. Nevertheless, here are some of the advantages of implementing them in the school curriculum.

• Contributes to personality development
• Co-curricular activities have shown to increase focus in students
• Sharpens communication skills
• Builds and infuses the importance of teamwork and togetherness
• Enhances leadership skills
• Increases social engagement of students
• Triggers and enhances creative skills in student
• Contributes to physical fitness
• Helps in maintaining good mental health
• Co-curricular activities tend to upskill moral and ethical values in students

Disadvantages of Co-curricular Activities

Honestly speaking! There are no describable disadvantages of co-curricular activities, except when they are not managed properly.

• Time management: Time management is of the essence. Allocating and maintaining a timetable for co-curricular activities takes a lot of effort and manpower. Luckily, ERP software applications for educational institutions come in handy. They not only automate scheduling but also undertake the complex task of managing the schedules.
• While scheduling activities, problems like the management of schedules for multiple classes and students tend to arise. Again, school ERP helps here!