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Article Title: Rethinking the Role of Co-Curricular Activities in Developing Students' Talents in Secondary Schools in Tanzania
by Andrew Lazaro and Vicent Naano Anney

Abstract:
This study investigated the role of co-curricular activities (CCAs) in developing students� talents in public and private secondary schools in Tanzania. The study employed mixed approach. The participants of this concurrent study design were selected using three techniques: simple random sampling; purposive sampling and convenience sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interview, Focus Group Discussion, questionnaires, observation checklist and documentary. The findings indicated that there was a positive attitude towards the practice of co-curricular activities in secondary schools prevailing amongst the sampled units of the study such as students, teachers and heads of schools, chairpersons of school boards, school inspector and parents. The findings indicated that (91.4%) of teachers and (85.7%) of students respectively perceived positively and were in favour of the practice of CCAs in schools. In same vein 75.7%, of teachers and 96.9% of students respectively acknowledged that CCAs had major contributions for developing students� talents. Moreover, the study findings show that 60% of teachers thought that administrators encouraged and gave appropriate attention for CCAs in schools, and 39.8% of students thought that school administrators did not encourage and give appropriate attention for CCAs in schools. About 44.3% of teachers felt that parents had positive thoughts about implementation of and participation of students in CCAs in schools. The 42% of the students thought that there was no positive parental involvement for CCAs in schools. The 72% of students thought there were few or no resources for CCAs in schools. 86% of teachers had no training for supervising CCAs in schools. Based on these results, the study recommends that the government should train more co-curricular teachers directly from colleges and universities to ensure that students get the best training and develop career in these activities. Apart from assistance from the government establishment of different projects at school level should be done to fill up the gap in having inadequate resources for co-curricular activities and reduce burden to the government, parents or donors.

Keywords: co-curricular activities, core-curriculum, talents, character, career development, parents

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