Impact of Learning Environment and Extracurricular Activities Towards the Academic Performance of Undergraduates of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Poor academic performance of undergraduates has become a burning issue in state universities in Sri Lanka. Many systematic investigations have done to recognize the main factors that are related to imperfect scholastic execution with a perspective on organizing remedial measures. This study was designed to examine the impact of the learning environment and extracurricular activities towards academic performance of undergraduates. As the majority of the student's performance is not at a satisfactory level although there are few students whose performance is high, hence it is important to examine the components that lead to bringing down the scholarly execution of these poor performing undergraduates. The results of the study will support with the decision making of university administration, undergraduates, and the government as well. For this purpose, seven hypotheses were developed and tested. In this study, academic performance (average GPA) was considered as the dependent variable and it was measured by two variables as learning environment and extracurricular activities. Learning environment again determined by five dimensions as lightning, sound system, ventilation, learning aids and supportive documents. Sample of 150 undergraduates were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through primary as well as secondary sources. Statistical methods of correlation and regression were used to test hypotheses. Results revealed that extracurricular activities have a significant relationship and an positive impact on academic performance. It was found that the components of learning environment such as ventilation, learning aids and supportive documents, library and computer laboratory have significant impact on learning academic performances while lightning and sound system did not have an impact according to the regression. But those two were also partially accepted as there was a correlation with academic performance.