Enhancement Program of Grade 8 Learners through Project S.A.E.P. (Strengthening Aldeans' English Performance)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines was tagged as the world's best country in English performance in not just one but two consecutive years. Based on the BEI Report in 2012, only the Philippines attained a score above 7.0, putting the country within range of high performance that indicates an ability to lead discussions and perform complex tasks. Moreover, in the 2013 BEI report, the Philippines earned a score of 7.95, an improved BEI score from the prior year. In the action research, the program is incorporated with an innovative teaching strategy which is the Direct Instruction Strategy and the suggested activity called TGA: Tell (give guidance), Guide (facilitate the process), and Act (apply the concept).

METHODS

This study was Descriptive-Evaluative in nature and was limited only to 30 Grade 8 learners who were randomly selected through Purposive Random Sampling. The researcher aimed to answer the specific questions raised in the study through the use of pretest and posttest and the appropriate statistical tools like mean percentage, standard deviation, and paired t-test to find out the level of English language performance before and after exposure to the enhancement program.

RESULTS

Results from the TGA Activity from the Direct Instruction Strategy under the Constructivism Approach show that learners performed better both in English and in the achievement test after their exposure to the intervention/remedial program. The learners' grades in English improved as well as their scores in the achievement test with respect to vocabulary, writing, and reading comprehension. This study enlightened everyone that performance in English is still the Filipinos' bridge to the globally competitive world as well as to the 21st Century teaching-learning process. Moreover, the learners and their respective families were given incentives called "Bigas at Tsinelaspara sa Aldeans na Nagpapakitang Gilas." It was really a huge help for them.

DISCUSSIONS

The continuous pursuit of the school towards the attainment of high-level English language performance of all the learners in Aldea National High School serves as proof of the need for this action plan. With the success attained by the English Enhancement Program thru TGA activity, Project SAEP is also foreseen to be a big success through the cooperation of everyone, specifically the English teachers who will facilitate the enhancement program and develop tools for innovation for the teaching-learning process.