Enhancing English Proficiency of Science Teachers at Balayan National High School Using English Refresher's Course for the SY 2017-2018: A Teacher Training Approach

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Science in the junior high school level is being taught in English. Thus, there is a need for science teachers to be proficient in the use of English as the medium of instruction. Filipino Science teachers must have at least an advanced level of understanding on the five variables of English proficiency to fully understand the context of science topics and to effectively teach them to their students. However, results of the yearly administration of the English Proficiency Test (EPT) and Process Skills for Science and Math teachers showed very low performance of teachers especially those from Region IV-A. Thus, it is a big challenge for science teachers especially since they are not native English speakers.

METHODS

Twenty-four (24) Science teachers from Balayan National High School participated in this action research. Their scores in the pre-test and post-test were used as the basis for the effectiveness of the refresher's course in English grammar and usage in enhancing their English proficiency. A refresher's course in English grammar and correct usage was given by the researcher to the participants during their INSET in October 2017. The scores of both their pre-test and the post-test were taken and these data were coded, tallied, and treated with statistical analyses such as the mean, standard deviation, and t-test of significant difference.

RESULTS

Based from the results obtained from the study, a computed t value (24) = 10.40 was obtained which is greater than the t-critical for t test, t crit=1.71 and p<0.05 which is = 1.81 E-10 was obtained from a paired t t-test of the pre-test and post-test of the respondents. The average mean for the post-test and pre-test were 73.17and 91.08 respectively. Based from the statistical analyses done, there was a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores of the respondents.

DISCUSSIONS

The respondents registered a 25% increase in their scores after the study. Thus, the refreshers’ course given is effective and is responsible for the differences in the performance of respondents. This study is deemed important in enhancing the English proficiency of the science teachers of Balayan National High School. Programs such as the refresher's course will enhance not only the English proficiency of science teachers but also their confidence and efficiency while inside the classroom.