If an increase of involvement is positively correlated to academic achievement, the next question what point is a student so involved that it can

become damaging or cause negative effects in academic achievement? In other words, what is the proper dosage of involvement for a student to reach optimal achievement level? Ultimately, positive correlation could be used to support current research and aid budgetary decisions at higher education institutions throughout the nation. If a positive relationship exists, perhaps more funding needs to be aimed at providing more avenues for students to be involved and increase cognitive development(i.e. Student Life Offices, Housing and Residence Life Offices, and Athletics). Does cocurricular involvement increase academic achievement? What is the best combination of academic and co-curricular involvement for maximum academic growth of college students? Co-Curricular Involvement and Academic Achievement Presented by: Christopher Perez Research and studies have supported claims of campus involvement to be both beneficial and detrimental to student achievement. According to Astin (1985),"involvement refers to the investment of physical and psychological energy in various 'objects'"(p. 36). What are co-curricular activities? i.e. clubs, general activities and student organizations, greek organizations, and athletic teams H1: Increase in co-curricular involvement is positively correlated to academic achievement. H2: Increase in co-curricular involvement is negatively correlated to academic achievement. Conduct online survey of top 10 most diverse colleges in the U.S. Survey design will be based from the "College Experiences Survey" (CES). Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey--Newark, Newark, NJ

There are noticeable disadvantages of co-curricular activities, more commonly called extracurricular activities. While there may be several benefits to a student being exposed to a variety of things, it can put undue pressure on a child. The whole mentality of the modern world is 'more'. More stuff, more going places, more, more, more. This fast paced lifestyle may seem like a way to experience life, but to be honest it may not be worth it. There is something to be said about generations past. The slower pace of life seemed to be way less stressful. It can be far better to choose one activity to do well, opposed to several just to struggle. Adults today are pushing themselves, and their children too far.
Students have a variety of extracurricular activities to choose, from speech team to chorus to multiple sports for every season. This variety can benefit students immensely. According to the children's education company Scholastic, extracurriculars let your child enjoy himself in a fun, stress-free environment, get some exercise and make friends outside of school. For all the positive aspects, extracurricular activities can cause some problems for students. Be sure the disadvantages of extracurricular activities do not outweigh the advantage

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7699912_disadvantages-extracurricular-activities.html#ixzz2ureW7DHn Putting children in extracurricular activities too early can cause burn out. Scholastic states parents should not think that an early start in anything will lead to a career because most children do not grow up to be professional musicians or athletes. Extracurricular activities can teach children discipline, teamwork and other life skills but early involvement might be overwhelming for young students. This disadvantage can grow into resentment as well. Pushing your child into tons of tennis lessons or dance classes in order to give her a "head start" will most likely lead to her resenting both you and the activity. Later, older children might feel they gave up part of their childhoods. Children could want to quit the sport or activity but fear disappointing their parents. Parents and children should communicate so that young children do not face unneeded early pressures.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7699912_disadvantages-extracurricular-activities.html#ixzz2ureiMKI4 frustration No matter the age, students can become frustrated if they are overworked with school, friends, family and extracurricular activities. Older students sometimes juggle jobs as well. Students need time to study, relax with peers and join family time. Anytime students struggle to find a balance in life, parents should look at their extracurricular involvement. Students might also be frustrated that they do not have time to grow their talents. If children put too much focus on a few, specific abilities, they might not develop into well-rounded people. To avoid this disadvantage, Scholastic suggests giving your child other options and encourage other interests, so he doesn't feel an overwhelming pressure to succeed at just one thing.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7699912_disadvantages-extracurricular-activities.html#ixzz2ureyAsDW Physical pressure Another disadvantage of extracurricular activities is physical stresses. Children might not always know how to articulate their physical problems, but Scholastic suggests looking for common ailments. In younger children, over scheduling most often takes the form of irritability, avoiding eye contact and tantrums. In older children, look out for mood swings, recurrent sickness such as stomachaches and complaints about the activities themselves. The activities might cause physical pain, such as leg cramps or headaches. In such cases, seek medical treatment to ensure your child's complaint does not warrant further attention. All positives come with a double-edged sword. Even the most studious and time-organized students can fall into the trap of spreading themselves too thin. Taking on one too many extracurricular activities can place a prospective college student at an academic risk, as lack of focus on schoolwork can easily occur. The effort involved in some activities can tire students out as well, also contributing to a loss of focus. Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_12017197_advantages-disadvantagesextracurriculars.html#ixzz2urh7Im7VRead more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7699912_disadvantagesextracurricular-activities.html#ixzz2urfJbsjg

High Costs

For some families, the costs of their student's participation in extracurricular activities is simply too much. With shrinking budgets, schools contribute less and less to help cover the

costs of activities. Some activities are more expensive than others. For example, a football player needs a uniform, cleats and padding. A member of the school band must buy a uniform and pay for the costs of his instrument. The family may also have to contribute to the costs of travel. On the other hand, a student on the newspaper staff or who takes part in community service will spend very little.

Feelings of Being Overwhelmed

The need to balance school with extracurricular activities can sometimes be overwhelming for students. For students who take part in multiple activities, the pressure can be even more intense. Students must stay on top of their homework, attend practices, rehearsals and other events, and still find time to hang out with friends and family. They may have very little free time and feel constantly stressed. Parents who help manage their kids' schedules and shuttle them back and forth can also find that their family time is lacking.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/info_7959461_extracurricular-activities-bad-students.html#ixzz2urhg7Ylt

Disadvantage: Cost
Some families may find that extracurricular activities are prohibitively expensive. Organized sports in particular not only carry registration fees, but also often require parents to purchase expensive equipment and uniforms. Music lessons carry expenses too, often requiring the purchase or rental of a musical instrument. Sports and music programs offered through schools may offer parents a reprieve by supplying equipment for students to use, but as arts and sports budgets are cut, these programs, and their associated equipment, are disappearing, leaving parents to shoulder the costs once again.
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Pros & Cons 1.)Co-curricular activities prepare students practically for the future. The normal curriculum can only go so far as to teach and educate students about academic theories. But students whose only experience of school or college is one of rigid academic study may not be able to apply what they have learned in practice. If the co-curriculum was given an equal footing in student life there will be an improvement in the student ability to grasp things as a whole, because students will have received a more rounded education. Co-curricular activities are particularly good at providing opportunities for students to work in teams, to exercise leadership, and to take the initiative themselves. These experiences make students more attractive to universities and to potential employers. The academic curriculum is really much more important and must continue to be given more status in schools and colleges than the co-curriculum. Students are meant to be receiving an education and gaining recognised qualifications. Higher Education institutions place a greater importance on the curriculum than the co-curriculum when selecting students, and so do employers. Co-curricular activities are nice, but they have never been shown to actually play a vital role in a students life. And if they distract students from focusing on their academic qualifications, then they could be actually harmful. 2.)Most co-curricular activities are physically active, getting the student out from behind their

desk and making them try new things. This is healthy and ensures that students are exposed to practical tasks, not just what is taught in class. The outcome of giving the co-curriculum the same status as the curriculum will therefore be well balanced individuals. Future politicians, for example, will not only thrive on law or social studies, but will also become fluent in multiple languages, learn to tango and perform several calculus operations simultaneously, while also... [continues]