THE ROLE OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN PROMOTING NATIONAL IDENTITY AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS
Keywords:
national identity, extracurricular activities, value education, secondary schools, patriotism, civic responsibilityAbstract
The formation of national identity among young learners has become one of the central objectives of contemporary education systems. Alongside academic instruction, schools are expected to cultivate students’ moral consciousness, civic responsibility, and respect for cultural heritage. This study investigates the pedagogical potential of extracurricular activities as an effective mechanism for strengthening national identity among secondary school students. Based on observations, surveys, and interviews conducted in general secondary schools of Uzbekistan, the research identifies cultural events, creative clubs, sports programs, and community service projects as key instruments in value-based education. The findings reveal that systematic participation in such activities positively influences students’ patriotism, social engagement, and commitment to national traditions. The paper proposes practical recommendations for integrating extracurricular programs into the educational process.
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