Paper ID: TAGJ18092505

The Influence of Participation in Sports and Physical Activities on Students’ Behavior and Discipline in Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda District

Tugume Joshua*, Dr. Basil Tibanyendera, Rev. Dr. Judith Arinaitwe

Faculty of Education, Arts and Media Studies (FEAMS)

Bishop Stuart University, P. O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda.

*Email: [email protected] 

Abstract

The study assessed the influence of participation in sports and physical activities on students’ behavior and discipline in Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda District. A descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach was employed. The study targeted 4,885 individuals from 20 secondary schools in Ibanda Municipality, consisting of head teachers, teachers, and students. A sample size of 721 respondents was determined; however, data were collected from 713 respondents, yielding a response rate of 98.9%. Respondents were selected using purposive, simple random, and systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study found that students' participation in co-curricular activities significantly enhances various aspects of discipline, including attendance, punctuality, academic integrity, rule adherence, and goal-setting. Sports and physical activities were also found to foster behavioral improvements, leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. It was concluded that co-curricular activities such as sports, music, debate, and academic clubs positively influence students’ behavior by improving attendance, punctuality, respect for school rules, academic integrity, and responsibility. School administrators and teachers are urged to actively promote students’ participation in a broad range of co-curricular activities as a strategic approach to enhancing discipline and fostering personal growth.

Keywords: Influence, Participation in Sports and Physical Activities, Students’ Behavior, Discipline.

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