Exploring the Correlation between English Proficiency and Reading Comprehension among Elementary Learners in the Philippines
Sherryl Jean F. Aballe *
Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
Jiffrel Mae M. Agcal *
Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
Fe T. Canoy
Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This descriptive-correlational study aimed to determine the relationship between the English proficiency and reading comprehension of the Grade 6 learners at an elementary school in the province of Davao Occidental. Specifically, it aimed to determine the level of English proficiency of the respondents in terms of grammar and vocabulary and their level of reading comprehension. With the use of complete enumeration, there were 20 Grade 6 learners selected as respondents of the study. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the level of students’ English proficiency and the level of students’ reading. The data were analyzed using mean and Pearson-r correlation analysis.
Results revealed that the level of English proficiency of the respondents is proficient. This implies that the learners show great understanding and application of the English language. Also, the level of reading comprehension of the respondents is described as high, indicating that they have strong understanding and reading comprehension abilities. Further, the result revealed that there is no significant relationship between the English proficiency and reading comprehension of the Grade 6 learners. It is recommended that further studies on other factors that affect the reading comprehension of elementary learners should be conducted.
Keywords: English proficiency, reading comprehension, elementary learners, Philippines