English Language Proficiency and English Language Learning Difficulties in Reading among Grade 7 Students of Infanta National High School, Infanta, Quezon: A Basis for Intervention

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The fact that language is dynamic and that it has undergone many variations and alterations over the years poses a lot of difficulties on the part of foreign language students in the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This becomes a challenge for high school teachers, particularly the English Language teachers for they are the ones in-charge of bridging the gap between the students' language learning and language proficiency. Thus, the results of the annual conduct of Philippine Reading Inventory which is done to determine the reading skills and the language proficiency of students revealed that there is indeed a problem in the English language education.

METHODS

Descriptive-Quantitative Method was used in this study. It also made use of researcher-designed questionnaire. The researcher used Random Sampling Technique and the Slovin's formula to determine the number of respondents. Grade 7 students served as respondents. Since they are neophytes in school, it is imperative that they be diagnosed in terms of their English language proficiency and learning difficulties in reading.

RESULTS

The study revealed that academic performance and language proficiency of students are related to each other. It also showed that majority of the respondents were average learners while only a small percentage can be considered exceptional learners. Most students have average language proficiency while no one can be considered to have absolutely no mastery. Likewise, none from the respondents can be considered to have mastered the use of the English language.In terms of language proficiency and reading difficulties, the respondents manifested skills in identifying the synonyms and antonyms of words presented in the text. They also showed proficiency in literal comprehension. On the other hand, they struggled in the following: using context clues in arriving at the meaning of words, rules of grammar, inferential and critical comprehension, and drawing conclusions.

DISCUSSIONS

The study showed that there is indeed a gap between language learning and language proficiency. Thus, the results demonstrate the strong need to craft a sustainable language and reading program that would serve as a roadmap to address the problems in teaching English subjects. Furthermore, the plans should be monitored, tested, and validated to ensure their effectiveness through related studies to be conducted in the future.