Philippine E-Journals

Factors Affecting the Macro Skills Competence of Pre-Service English Teachers

Vilmar A. Del Rosario

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Given that previous research has primarily focused on individual factors such as motivation and aptitude in relation to language competence, overlooking other factors suggests that more research is needed, particularly on the development of the macro skills among pre-service teachers. This study explored the competence of the 121 pre-service English teachers in macro skills and unveiled the underlying factors. A convergent-mixed method was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire with embedded open-ended questions. The findings revealed that the respondents’ levels of competence in the macro skills are: writing, good (3.36); reading, good (3.38); speaking, fair (2.54); and listening, very good (4.11). For writing, the factors include a lack of writing programs, a lack of interest in writing, and low language proficiency. For reading, the factors are noise interference and a lack of interest in reading. Low proficiency in language, anxiety, and communication gaps are key factors affecting speaking. Environmental distractions were identified as a factor affecting the level of competence in listening. As it is expected that pre-service English teachers are proficient in the various macro skills, student-centered activities may be integrated during their academic preparation to prepare them for their teaching internship and in the workplace.