Exploring the factors that influence participation in the homework-help programs for youth in Sweden

Abstract

After-school homework help sessions, also referred to as after-school homework help programs, are structured to offer students supplementary support beyond regular school hours, with the goal of enhancing aspects such as school attendance, behaviour, and academic achievement. These programs can be managed by the schools themselves or financed by non-profit or commercial entities and can take place within school premises or alternative community settings, such as sports clubs where students engage in studies before practicing sports. The homework sessions are regulated every week, at least once, to allow students to get help from and be surrounded by adults as well as their peers. This study aims to (1) identify the factors that influence participation in after-school homework-help programs and understand how the participants perceive them, and (2) examine whether there are any gender differences in participation. Data for this study was obtained from pre-collected survey responses of students, teachers, or homework-help staff attending sports clubs affiliated with the Street Games Academy (SGA) organization. Both qualitative content analysis and statistical methods were employed to analyze the open-answer survey responses. The findings show that the primary motivators for participation include social interaction, extra help, self-development, and the combination of sports and homework. Participants generally had positive perceptions of the program's environment and opportunities for self-development. There were no significant differences in participation rates between male and female students. This study offers valuable insights into factors influencing student participation in homework-help sessions, which can help inform the development and improvement of such programs in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the findings provide a foundation for future research on homework-help sessions and factors affecting participation.