Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Jana Lo Bello Miller and Shelley Orr
Content Expert
Brian Isles and Kris Knutsen
Abstract
The benefits of extracurricular activities have been extensively researched and confirmed, yet participation is not guaranteed. While schools may offer extracurricular opportunities, students and families are often expected to make decisions about participation without fully understanding the benefits, commitment, or context within their own situation. This capstone project explores the question: How do students come to understand the value of participating in extracurricular activities, and how can schools help support students and families as they evaluate extracurricular opportunities? Through a review of existing literature, this capstone examines the documented benefits of extracurricular participation; student engagement, motivation, and perceptions; student and family decision-making; and potential barriers to participation. The literature suggests that students’ decisions about extracurriculars are largely shaped by their perceptions of the activity and their connection to their school, as well as the perceived value and costs of participating. These findings informed the creation of a website to help students as they consider participating in an extracurricular activity. Ultimately, this capstone suggests that schools should not focus on convincing students to participate, but rather on equipping them with the tools and information necessary to make an informed decision.
Project Type
Website Creation
Keywords
Community Building, Motivation, Parent Involvement, Extracurricular Activities
Recommended Citation
Knutsen, Erik, "Supporting Student Decision-Making in Extracurricular Participation: A Resource-Based Approach to Supporting Informed Engagement" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1205.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1205
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects