The Levels of Communication Apprehension As Correlated to the English Performance of Grade 10 Students at Francisco Osorio National High School For S.Y. 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Communication Apprehension affects the academic performance of the students. Horwitz (1986) & Young (1991). Difficulties in speaking English might affect their academic performance. High school students, especially grade 10, are expected to exhibit a certain level of confidence in speaking English. However, it is possible that they may have past experiences or conditions which may result in communication apprehension that may be a contributing factor to poor academic performance especially in English. This led the researcher to conduct an investigation on CA and English performance.

METHODS

The number of respondents was computed using the Slovin's formula. 138 respondents were chosen out of the total population of 210 Grade 10 Students who were enrolled at the Francisco Osorio NHS during the School Year 2018-2019. They were selected through fish bowl method to avoid preconceived notions and biases.

RESULTS

Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between the IV and DV. It was found out that there is a significant correlation between the two variables, r = -.-.237, p > .005.

DISCUSSIONS

This paper showed that there is significant correlation between communication apprehension and academic performance. The result supports McCroskey, Booth-Butterfield, et al.'s (1989) study that they had proven lower GPA's are much expected among high CA students compared to those with low CA. Del Villar, (2010) explained that English is a second language among most Filipinos. This was not the case in the western studies where the respondents’ first language is English. In the two studies, it was said that Filipino students have that innate knowledge of what cause CA and what remedies to take, but they were unable to draw strong relationship between CA and their performance in the classroom. It may be the result of certain cultural influences. This paper proved the correlation of the variables and found out that CA is present among the Grade 10 students of the Francisco Osorio NHS. The researchers recommend for classroom facilitators to focus on the context of CA in which students’ least preference is public speaking in English. Teacher's involvement and guidance can improve the communicative competencies of the students by engaging them in some activities that can reduce students’ fear in speaking English.