Improving the Performance Level of English 7 Students Through "Sali Ako sa Groupie N'yo" Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest challenge’s educators face today is determining the most effective teaching strategies for their students. Understanding and assessing student involvement in learning can help teachers design and employ effective strategies to improve students' academic performance. Studies have shown that students learn best if they are involved in the activity and can interact with others. Johnsen (2009) said that cooperative learning is an effective strategy which often occurs through an individual's interaction with his or her environment. Salvacion National High School encountered issues about poor students' involvement to classroom activities resulting to low academic performance. Teacher handling English 7 deemed to find effective strategies that will address the problem of students who less likely participate in classroom activities with low level of performance.

METHODS

This action research used the experimental method to determine the significant difference between the level of performance of the students before and after the intervention. The researcher made use of the purposive sampling technique. One (1) English class in one (1) public high school in San Agustin District served as the study site where fourteen (14) identified students who were less likely participate in classroom activities were purposely given a chance to engage in classroom activities. To treat the variables statistically, the researcher used the following techniques: percentage and rank, frequency and t-test.

RESULTS

Some Grade 7 students have poor performance levels in English because of their less participation level. This is attributed to timidity & shyness. But with the intervention given, "SALI AKO, SA GROUPIE N'YO", they were given a chance to engage in classroom activities and their performance level in English really increased. In other words, the respondents really benefited so much with the intervention given to them. Therefore, the intervention is very effective.

DISCUSSIONS

Several studies have revealed that effective teaching strategies like cooperative learning affect students' academic performance. Group work and team-based learning increases students' cognition, concentration and retention. It boosts self-esteem, stimulates students' interest and develops critical thinking.