HomeJournal of Interdisciplinary Perspectivesvol. 3 no. 5 (2025)

Exploring English Proficiency Challenges Among Grade 9 Students: A Phenomenological Study

Liezl S. Startzell | Erlinda N. Calumpang | Angela Gabrielle B Bacang

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of Grade 9 students in acquiring English language proficiency. The researcher utilized Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach and employed the purposive sampling technique. The participants of the study were seven students from a public high school in Negros Oriental. The researcher used a semi-structured interview as the primary method for data collection. The findings revealed several key insights regarding the lived experiences of Grade 9 students and identified the following three emergent themes reflecting how these students acquire their English language proficiency: (1) The Heavy Cloak of Language, (2) The Dance of Engagement, and (3) Treasures of Learning Tools. The study highlights the complexities of language learning, particularly the emotional and academic challenges faced by Grade 9 students. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of their emotions and educational hurdles, showcasing how factors such as anxiety, motivation, and personal circumstances influence their learning effectiveness. By illuminating these lived experiences, the study aims to provide valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers, enabling them to create supportive learning environments that cater to student needs. Additionally, by addressing the emotional aspects of language learning, the research advocates for a holistic approach to English education, empowering students to navigate obstacles and enhance their proficiency. Ultimately, these findings intend to inform future research and educational practices in language acquisition, underscoring the importance of understanding students' emotional and academic contexts to facilitate success in learning English.



References:

  1. Alam, M. K. (2020). A systematic qualitative case study: questions, data collection, NVivo analysis and saturation. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management an International Journal, 16(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1108/qrom-09-2019-1825
  2. Alharbi, J. M. (2021). Vocabulary knowledge Among English Majors in a Saudi Arabia University. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 24(1), 769–784. https://ideas.repec.org/a/tec/journl/v24y2021i1p769-784.html
  3. Awal, Md. R., & Asaduzzaman, N. (2024). Curse or blessing? Students’ experience from ChatGPT with an application of Colaizzi’s phenomenological descriptive method of enquiry and content analysis. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning. https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-09-2023-0249  
  4. Bandura, A. (2019). Applying theory for human betterment. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14(1), 12-15
  5. Bui, T. X. T., Ha, Y. N., Nguyen, T. B. U., Nguyen, V. U. T., & Ngo, T. C. T. (2021). A Study on Collaborative Online Learning among EFL Students in Van Lang University (VLU). AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(3), 9–21. https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/32
  6. Chitac, J. M. (2023). The Rationale For Saturation In Qualitative Research: When Practice Informs Theory. Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8126627
  7. Çiftçi, A. (2024). AI Assisted Teaching: Practices and Perspectives of Instructors on Using AI Tools in ELT (Master’s thesis). Maltepe University
  8. Csizér, K., & Albert, Á. (2024). The relationship of emotions, motivation and language learning autonomy:: Differences in Hungarian secondary schools. Porta Linguarum Revista Interuniversitaria de Didáctica de las Lenguas Extranjeras, (IX), 31-47.
  9. Eslit, E. R., & Valderama, A. (2023). English Language proficiency skills among High school students: Basis for an intervention program. English Learning Innovation, 4(1), 46–57. https://doi.org/10.22219/englie.v4i1.24759
  10. Fontillas, L., Quintos, S., & Ronquillo, C. (2022). Philippine English proficiency of the K12  students: Basis for the improvement of the English curriculum. Retrieved from https://aclanthology.org/2022.paclic-1.80.pdf
  11. Ghafar, Z. N., & Raheem, B. R. (2023). Factors Affecting Speaking Proficiency in English Language Learning: A general overview of the speaking skill. Journal of Social Science (JoSS), 2(6), 507-518. https://doi.org/10.57185/joss.v2i6.107
  12. Gierczyk, A., Kowalski, J., & Nowak, M. (2023). Snowball sampling in qualitative research: Exploring network recruitment strategies. Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2023.00001
  13. Gumarang, B. K., Mallannao, R. C., & Gumarang, B. K. (2021). Colaizzi’s Methods in Descriptive Phenomenology: Basis of A Filipino Novice Researcher. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 2(10), 928–933. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.02.10.10 
  14. Hajiyeva, B. (2024). Language Anxiety in ESL Learners: Causes, effects, and mitigation Strategies. EuroGlobal Journal of Linguistics and Language Education., 1(1), 119–133. https://doi.org/10.69760/pn9wgv05
  15. Hu, M., & Nation, P. (2020). Unknown vocabulary density and reading comprehension. Reading in a Foreign Language. https://doi.org/10.26686/wgtn.12560354.v1
  16. Ji, H., Park, S., & Shin, H. W. (2022). Investigating the link between engagement, readiness, and satisfaction in a synchronous online second language learning environment. System, 105, 102720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102720
  17. Kiliç, A. F., & Uysal, İ. (2022). To what extent are item discrimination values realistic? A new index for two-dimensional structures. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 728–740. https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.1098757
  18. Li, J., Wong, S. C., Yang, X., & Bell, A. (2019). Using feedback to promote student participation in online learning programs: evidence from a quasi-experimental study. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(1), 485–510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09709-9
  19. Lightbown, P. M., & Spada, N. (2021). How languages are learned 5th Edition. Oxford university press.
  20. Liu, C., He, J., Ding, C., Fan, X., Hwang, G., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Self-oriented learning perfectionism and English learning burnout among EFL learners using mobile applications: The mediating roles of English learning anxiety and grit. Learning and Individual Differences, 88, 102011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.102011
  21. Manuel, J. B. (2022). English language proficiency of senior high school students.  Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 9(1), 71–86. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2022.16638 
  22. McCracken, A. (2024). Exploring the Pharmacist’s Role in Supporting Post-Secondary Students with Psychotropic Medication Management (Master’s thesis). University of Toronto
  23. Nguyen, L. T., & Hung, B. P. (2021). Communicative pronunciation teaching: Insights from the Vietnamese tertiary EFL classroom. System, 101, 102573.
  24. Nguyen, T. (2021). Process-based writing strategies: A path to improved language proficiency. Journal of Applied Linguistics, 14(2), 150–168. https://doi.org/10.1080/jal.2021.14.2.150
  25. Nithideechaiwarachok, B., Maneekanon, O., & Bubphada, T. (2022). Exploring English language proficiency, English language problems, and English needs among first year undergraduate students. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 21(12), 273–290. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.12.15
  26. Özkayran, A., & Yılmaz, E. (2020). Analysis of higher education students’ errors in English writing tasks. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 11(2), 48. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.11n.2p.48
  27. Pablo, J. M. (2022). Assessing the English grammar proficiency of online Filipino English teachers. International Journal on Open and Distance e-Learning
  28. Palma, A. J. C., & Madrigal, D. V. (2021). An Exploratory Inquiry into the Second Language Acquisition of Junior High School Non-Readers. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 20(1), 163–171. https://ideas.repec.org/a/tec/journl/v20y2021i1p163-171.html
  29. Perry, B. (2021). Gamified Mobile Collaborative Location-Based Language Learning. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.689599
  30. Pula, B. (2021). Does Phenomenology (Still) Matter? Three Phenomenological Traditions and Sociological Theory. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10767-021-09404-9 
  31. Rahimi, M., & Katal, M. (2012). The role of metacognitive listening strategies awareness and podcast-use readiness in using podcasting for learning English as a foreign language. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(4), 1153–1161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.01.025
  32. Romero, R. D., Cortezano, G. P., Manaig, K. A., Yazon, A. D., & Tesoro, J. F. B. (2023). A Phenomenological Investigation of Senior High School Learners with Low English Language Proficiency. Journal of English as a Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 3(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.31098/jefltr.v3i1.1148
  33. Santos, A., Fernandez, V., & Ilustre, R. (2022). English language proficiency in the Philippines: An overview. International Journal of English Language Studies, 4(3), 46–51. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijels.2022.4.3.7
  34. Serafica, J., & Operiano, D. R. (2024, March 11). Exploring Research Anxiety Among Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Students in Lipa City: an Application of Colaizzi’s Descriptive Phenomenology. Social Science Research Network. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4782198 
  35. Shamsudin, M. F., Ahmad, A. H., & Hassim, A. A. (2024). Exploring the impact of online assessment tools and digital proctoring on academic integrity in higher education: Case of Universiti Kuala Lumpur. In Atlantis highlights in social sciences, education and humanities/Atlantis Highlights in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities (pp. 4–22). https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-554-6_2
  36. Streubert, H. J., & Carpenter, D. R. (2009). Qualitative research in nursing: Advancing the humanistic imperative. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  37. Thomas, F. B. (2022). The role of purposive sampling technique as a tool for informal choices in a social Sciences in research methods. Just Agriculture, 2(5), 1-8.
  38. Tian, L., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Learner engagement with automated feedback, peer feedback and teacher feedback in an online EFL writing context. System, 91, 102247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102247
  39. Zhang, S.-Z., Inoue, T., Zhang, D., Jin, D., & Georgiou, G. K. (2024). Intergenerational Effects on Children’s Reading Comprehension in Chinese: Evidence from a 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Scientific Studies of Reading, 28(6), 636–655. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888438.2024.2382204