English Language Proficiency and Attitude; Its Influence in the Academic Performance of the First Year College Students

Abstract

Language proficiency is a measurement of how well an individual has mastered a language. Proficiency is measured in terms of receptive and expressive language skills, syntax, vocabulary, semantics, and other areas that demonstrate language abilities. The study aimed to determine the English language proficiency and attitude: its influence on the academic performance of the first year college students of Guimaras State College, Academic Year 2010-2011.

Male respondents have moderate level of proficiency in English while females had a satisfactory level. All respondents had the same proficiency level which was moderately satisfactory when grouped according to monthly family income. Respondents from Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Education, and Information Technology had a satisfactory English proficiency level compared to those from Hotel and Restaurant Management, Criminology, and Industrial Technology who had a moderate level of proficiency.

The respondents had a positive attitude towards English. The respondents had similar English language proficiency when categorized according to monthly family income; however, they had different proficiency levels when grouped according to course and gender. When grouped according to course, monthly family income, and gender, respondents had a positive response towards English. Respondents who obtained higher grades in English I had higher English proficiency level while those who got lower grades had lower English proficiency level. The respondents' English proficiency level and attitude towards English affected their academic performance.