Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Student activities; Youth with social disabilities--Education;
Abstract
Little research has been undertaken on levels of participation among students who attend alternative schools. The purpose of this study was to identify reasons youth give for participation or nonparticipation in extracurricular activities during non-school hours. The group of adolescents selected for this study were students in attendance at an alternative high school in Waterloo, Iowa. The design of this research unutilized a non-experimental descriptive approach. A survey methodology was used because: (a) large amounts of data could be collected, (b) the extent of student participation was minimized, and (c) the entire population could be surveyed in one undertaking. A self-report questionnaire method was used for a number of reasons: (a) it was the most non-threatening, (b) it was the least time consuming, (c) it was the most confidential, and (d) it provided ample time for respondents to complete the survey. The population of interest included 134 students enrolled at an alternative high school. of this population, 115 participated in this study. The majority of students (53.9%; n = 62) were male while 46.1% (Il = 53) were female. Also, the majority of students (74.8%; n = 86) were Caucasian. Twelve (10.4%) were African American, while Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, and other ethnicity groups made up the remaining (14.7%) of the population of students participants of this study. Factors which influenced the students decision to participate in an extracurricular activity was determined by using a 4 point likert scale, with 1 being not important and 4 being very important. The most important factor which influenced youth's decision to participate in an extracurricular activity was "the activity being fun" (M = 2.73). This was followed by "activity not conflicting with studies" (2.51) and "the activity being flexible in times it was offered" (2.30). The results of this study established a profile of students attending alternative schools. This research has provided some insight regarding factors which influence youth participation in extracurricular activities. Innovative programming which encourages diversity, social interaction, and student input regarding planning of program activities is needed to help understand the needs of youth program participants.
Year of Submission
1994
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Larry Hensley
Second Advisor
Christopher Edginton
Third Advisor
Dan McDonald
Date Original
1994
Object Description
1 PDF file (71 leaves)
Copyright
©1994 Herbert King
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
King, Herbert, "Perceptions Which Influence Participation Among At-Risk Youth in Extracurricular Activities" (1994). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 1848.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1848
Comments
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