The Effect of Code Switching Technique in The Academic Performance of Grade Six Pupils in Science

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether code-switching affects the academic performance of Grade Six pupils in Science at Lunsad Elementary School. As teachers we are always frustrated whenever we check the papers of our students and finding out that they fail our subject. This action research is to help the school and its stake holders to improve the teaching and learning process, thus, help in improving their academic performance.

METHODS

Sixty (60) pupils in Lunsad Elementary School were selected into experimental and control groups. Experimental research design employing the Pre-Test Posttest Control Group Design was used. The pupils were taught science concepts pertaining to stars, constellations and astronomical instruments using the code switching technique and using English only. Teacher-made summative test was administered to measure the differences in the performance of the pupils exposed to code switching technique and those exposed to classroom instruction using English language only.

RESULTS

An analysis of the gathered data showed that English and Filipino code switching could beneficially influence the academic performance of Grade Six pupils as evidenced by the result of the multiple choice tests administered to them. The result of the comparisons showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in favour of the group that was taught using English/Filipino code switching on the performance in the posttest.

DISCUSSIONS

Overall, the results of this study can benefit the teachers, school administrators and policy makers in addressing the issue of low achievement level in Science by looking into code switching as one of the techniques in classroom instruction.