Impact of extracurricular activities on academic performance

Abstract

Within the current framework of higher education in Ecuador, universities have integrated Extracurricular Activities (ECA) as essential components of holistic development. However, the implementation of these programs at institutions such as the Technical University of Machala (UTMACH) has faced challenges, including fragmented strategic planning and persistent lack of student motivation. Overcoming the historical ambiguity of the construct, academic literature defines ECAs as voluntary and structured processes that transcend purely recreational, sporting, or cultural functions to directly influence academic performance and the development of soft skills. This correlational study analyzes the impact of ECAs on the academic achievement of students at the Technical University of Machala during the 2025 academic year. Methodologically, a survey instrument was administered to a sample of 119 Economics students. Data analysis was conducted using Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient to determine the degree of association between the variables. The findings indicate a high positive correlation (rs = 0.864) with a significance level of $p < 0.05$, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The resulted that there is a statistically significant interdependence: greater engagement in extracurricular activities increases the probability of attaining superior academic performance. These results suggest that ECAs function as catalysts for academic success through the strengthening of transversal competencies.