ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE STUDENTS INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN BIOLOGY RELATED EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

This study assessed the factors influencing students' interest and participation in Biology-related extracurricular activities in secondary schools within Ungogo Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 70 respondents, including students, teachers, and school administrators, using a structured questionnaire. The research addressed four key objectives: identifying factors influencing student interest, exploring the effects of non-participation, examining the roles of schools and educators, and analyzing the impact on academic performance. Findings revealed that students exhibited high interest in Biology-related extracurricular activities, with mean scores ranging from 3.70 to 4.20, and the key influencing factors included teacher encouragement, availability of resources, and engaging teaching methods. Non-participation was found to negatively affect students' perception of Biology concepts and practical knowledge, though some respondents remained neutral on its long-term career impacts. Schools and educators play significant roles in fostering participation, with institutional support and parental involvement being critical drivers. Socioeconomic factors also influenced access to extracurricular opportunities. The study concluded that while intrinsic motivation is important, extrinsic factors such as teacher support, resource availability, and parental encouragement significantly enhance participation. Recommendations include strengthening teacher engagement, increasing awareness among parents, securing funding for science clubs, and fostering partnerships with external organizations. The findings contribute to educational strategies aimed at improving student engagement in Biology and STEM fields, providing insights for policymakers and educators to enhance extracurricular programming in Kano State and similar contexts.