IMPACT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON DEVELOPING STUDENTSPROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality

This study aimed to explore the impact of extracurricular activities (ECAs) on developing students' problemsolving skills in selected secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania.Utilizing a qualitative case study design, data were collected from 72 students and 17 teachers through interviews and focus group discussions.Findings revealed that engaging in agricultural projects, sports, and environmental conservation activities significantly enhances students' problem-solving skills and equips them with practical abilities to address societal issues like unemployment, malnutrition, and waste management.However, the study identified challenges such as limited resources, insufficient teacher support, and negative student attitudes towards ECAs.Recommendations include prioritizing adequate funding for ECAs, enhancing teacher training, fostering connections between classroom and extracurricular learning, and focusing activities on local societal issues to ensure meaningful student engagement and skill development.