The Significant Effects of Communication Activities in the Co-Curricular Towards Reducing Shyness Amongst Elementary School Children

Abstract

Shy children tend to have verbal communication problems and low self-esteem. However, the confidence and communication skills of these children could not be developed solely through classroom instructions. Ironically, the co-curricular program provides a good medium for communication activities that can improve their confidence and communication skills. Therefore, this study examined children's communication skills and communication activities during the co-curricular program at their school. The areas of study were the children's level of shyness, the implementation and the effectiveness of communication activities in the co-curricular program. The quantitative study adopted a non-experimental descriptive research design. The respondents were 357 Grade Six students from elementary schools in Segamat, Johor which was selected from a random sampling. Results showed that most children were having a medium level of shyness and the communication activities were moderately implemented in the co-curricular program at their schools. Almost all respondents viewed communication activities in the co-curricular program as very effective to reduce shyness, enhance their self-esteem and communication skills. Hence, communication skills of shy children can be enhanced through appropriate communication activities conducted during the co-curricular program. Children should be encouraged and trained to speak in public by participating in the debate, public speaking and theatre activities during the co-curricular to reduce their shyness.