ASSESSMENT OF VOCABULARY PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AMONG GRADE 11 HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES STUDENTS AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study aims to promote a deeper understanding of English vocabulary by encouraging students to actively reflect on word meanings, connections, and usage in various contexts. Vocabulary learning strategies play a crucial role in helping students determine the meanings of unfamiliar words and reinforce those they encounter repeatedly, as highlighted by Norbert Schmitt (1997). The research evaluates the vocabulary proficiency of Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students at Bestlink College of the Philippines, focusing on subject-verb agreement, pronunciation, and syntax. It also investigates the effectiveness of different vocabulary learning strategies, including discovery, social, and metacognitive approaches, as reported by the respondents. This research adopts an evaluative-quantitative approach and uses quota sampling to collect responses from 133 Grade 11 Humanities and Social Sciences students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to evaluate their vocabulary proficiency in English. The findings reveal that students demonstrated strong agreement regarding their vocabulary proficiency in English, specifically in subject-verb agreement, pronunciation, and syntax. Additionally, the vocabulary learning strategies applied were deemed effective by the respondents. The proposed action plan includes targeted activities such as vocabulary memorization, pronunciation enhancement exercises, English terminology training, and deeper exploration of word meanings and distinctions. These indicate that students’ vocabulary proficiency in English particularly in subject-verb agreement, pronunciation, and syntax, is supported by the effective use of vocabulary learning strategies, including discovery, social, and metacognitive approaches. However, memory-related difficulties were identified as the most prevalent challenge among respondents. To address this, an action plan was developed, featuring targeted interventions such as grammar reinforcement, pronunciation drills, and vocabulary retention exercises. The researchers recommend enhancing foundational language skills to build a more advanced vocabulary, enabling students to communicate complex ideas with greater fluency and accuracy.