ABSTRACT
The main objective of the study was to determine whether the English proficiency of teachers can predict their process skills in Science and Mathematics based from the result of the Teachers’ English Proficiency Test(TEPT) and Process Skills Test in Science and Mathematics(PSTSM). The participants were fifty (50) Grade 5 and Grade 6 teachers who took the said test given by National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC) last August 23, 2015. The research utilized descriptive correlation design involving a documentary analysis of the results of the TEPT-PSTSM.
The instrument used in the study was the result given by NETRC on 2015 TEPT-PSTSM. The statistical tools used were mean, standard deviation, linear regression analysis and ANOVA.
Based on the results of the study, the following are the findings; As to the performance level of teachers in English Proficiency Test, the mean performance is 53.79 categorized as Moderate. In terms of Process Skills Test in Science and Mathematics, the performance level of teachers is 48.86 categorized as Low. Teachers’ proficiency level in English can significantly predict their process skills in Science and Mathematics.
Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore concluded that teachers have moderate level of proficiency in English, but low level in terms of process skills in Science and Mathematics. Moreover, teachers’ process skills in Science and Mathematics are dependent on their English proficiency.
In the light of the findings and conclusions, it is hereby recommended that teachers should attend graduate, postgraduate studies, trainings, seminars about English, Science and Mathematics in order to enhance their competence or proficiency in the three subjects. Science and Mathematics activities should be integrated in English in order to improve their proficiency in the three subjects. Teachers should adopt ways of improving their proficiency in English like reading English books, reading an English language newspapers or magazines, learning the various rules of English and keeping a running vocabulary list. School Administrators should be vigilant about the training needs of their teachers as reflected in their Individual Development Plans (from their IPCR) so as to address them properly. Education Program Supervisors of English, Science and Mathematics should conduct trainings according to the needs of the teachers. Aside from English Proficiency, other predictors may be considered for further study to be correlated to Process Skills in Science and Mathematics.
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESEARCH
Education system worldwide aims to develop students to become well –rounded and creative problem solver citizens (Iyer, 2015). This statement is consistent with the goal of the enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program which is to produce citizens who are productive and responsible being equipped with essential competencies and skills for life-long learning and employment. Therefore, education is very much important and it has to be a quality to be delivered by quality teachers.
Teachers are well known for the great role of educating the students who are entrusted to them(VanBaren,2013). With this herculean task, they need to be competent enough in order to face the challenges of the teaching-learning situation in the classroom. Likewise, they need to possess 21st century skills and competencies to deliver quality instruction. However, studies or researches show that teachers who are not good in English could hardly grasp science and mathematics concepts since English is the medium of instruction in these two learning areas.
This research evaluated the proficiency level of elementary teachers in English, Science and Mathematics and determined whether the proficiency in English can predict the process skills in Science and Mathematics.
Teachers need to be proficient in the learning areas mentioned above so that they will transfer or radiate this proficiency to their learners. Besides, these learning areas are very important. According to Roman (2013), Science aims to strengthen the scientific skills and understanding of facts which are important to everyday experiences of the learners. It enriches their knowledge about things and issues that occur in their surroundings. In addition, Atkinson(2011) claimed that being ”science literate” is already an ultimate necessity, not anymore an advantage. On the other hand, Lan (2007) emphasized that Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe,analyze and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure at the same time wonder if it is their first time to solve a particular problem using an elegant solution and notice some connections .While English (Razzaque,2012) is necessary because this is the only language that can truly connect the whole world together. Moreover, Chopra (2015) maintained that students who want to go abroad for education have to learn English well because if their command over English is poor, then there is a possibility that they may face difficulties in adjusting with the foreign environment. Therefore, these three learning areas are very important and the teachers need to possess the right knowledge, skills and attitudes or the so called KSA to become competent in teaching these learning areas.
The National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC) conducted a Teachers’ English Proficiency Test (TEPT) and Process Skills Test in Science and Mathematics (PSTSM) to Grade 5 and 6 teachers in the whole country.TEPT specifically measures teachers’ aptitude on the Structure of English Language, Reading Comprehension ,Written Expression and Grammar while PSTSM measures process skills like Observing, Classifying,Inferring,Predicting,Measuring/Quantifying, Communicating, Interpreting Data, Analyzing Data,Evaluating, Experimenting,Making Conclusions, Making Models and Defining Operationally.
For the Schools Division of Siargao , the said test was administered last August 23, 2015 by a representative from NETRC. The result was alarming because 97% of the takers got an average below the national standard which is 75%. This scenario is more or less the same with other divisions of Caraga Region.Hence, this prompted the researcher to conduct this study.
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