Perceptions of students and teachers on the role of extracurricular activities at a private university in Myanmar

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions and experiences of students and teachers regarding the role of extracurricular activities (ECAs) at a private university (Liberal Arts Programme - LAP) in Myanmar. It focuses on the impacts of participation in ECAs on students' lives, how the LAP mission statement and learning outcomes can be met through ECAs, the issues of participation in ECAs and strategies to overcome the barriers to participation in ECAs. ... The findings of this research demonstrated key challenges to overcome in order to participate in ECAs. The significant challenges include money issues, time management issues, negative impacts on study and parental involvement and permission. This research also explored the strategies to overcome the barriers to participating in ECAs. Strategies students and teachers employed include getting financial support from the university, organising the activities according to most students’ availability, giving parental education on ECAs and receiving academic credits for ECAs.