A Comparative Study of Extracurricular Activities in Primary Schools of Iran, America, England, and Malaysia

This study aimed at comparing extracurricular activities in primary schools of Iran with those of America، England، and Malaysia in order to provide insights into improving the educational system in Iran especially regarding extracurricular activities. The study was comparative and benefited form Breai method. America and England were selected because they are the leading countries and among the most successful countries in extracurricular activities. Malaysia was also selected because as a Muslim country it has structured extracurricular activities. The results of the study indicated that the countries under study had various objectives in extracurricular activities. In Iran، most of the objectives are general and focus on the areas of attitude. The other countries focus on familiarity with different religions and different local، regional and global cultures، understanding the traditional values of one’s and others’ culctures، boosting tolerance in dealing with the opposite values، etc. But such objectives have been paid less attention in Iran. The extracurricular activities in Iran enjoy less variety and are mostly geared toward religious activities. The major difference between Iran and other countries in terms of practicing extracurricular activities is that there is no planning for the time of such activities in the Iranian schools. Furthermore، the teachers in other countries cooperate more in having such activities. Finally، evaluation of these activities in such countries is based on the students’ performance and work report. The study provides some suggestions for the improvement of the educational system in Iran in terms of extracurricular activities.