THE LEVEL OF VOCABULARY SKILLS AND THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR IN ENGLISH OF IMMACULADA CONCEPCION COLLEGE

Abstract

This study focuses on the importance of vocabulary skills in language learning, particularly for students pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English. The research explores how the level of vocabulary proficiency influences academic performance, specifically through the General Weighted Average (GWA) of students in the academic year 2022-2023. By examining the relationship between vocabulary size and academic success, the study aims to provide insights into the role vocabulary mastery plays in achieving academic excellence for future English educators. This study employs a quantitative research approach, involving a total of 144 respondents, which was determined using Slovin's Method. Data was collected through a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical treatments used to analyze the data include Frequency Percentage, Analysis of Variances (ANOVA), and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. These methods were applied to assess the relationship between vocabulary skills—specifically the Three Tiers of Vocabulary—and the academic performance (as measured by the General Weighted Average) of the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English students. The study revealed a significant relationship between the academic performance of the students and their vocabulary skills. It was found that the level of vocabulary proficiency plays a crucial role in determining academic success. The richness of a student's vocabulary was directly linked to their ability to perform well academically, highlighting the importance of vocabulary development in achieving higher academic achievement for Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English students. Thus, the study recommended several effective teaching strategies to enhance vocabulary skills among students. One such strategy is to incorporate brief and engaging informational texts that include academic vocabulary, providing a platform for intensive vocabulary instruction. This approach would expose students to relevant academic terms in context, facilitating better comprehension and retention. Additionally, teachers are encouraged to select a few key words for focused instruction, ensuring that these words are used repeatedly across multiple lessons. This continuous exposure will help students internalize and apply the vocabulary in their academic work, ultimately improving their language proficiency and academic performance.