Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 34 no. 5 (2025)

Literacy in Focus: Understanding Competency Gaps in English IV

Gemcer D. Selda

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study evaluated the mastery of English competencies among Grade IV pupils of an elementary school during the 2023-2024 school year. The study utilized a quantitative approach, employing a multiple-choice summative test to gauge the students' comprehension of essential English competencies. The researcher reviewed the test for validity and reliability before administering it to a total of 100 fourth graders in the study. The researcher analyzed the results using descriptive statistics, which included mean scores, standard deviations, and the percentage of correct responses. The findings revealed significant gaps in pupil proficiency, with most pupils mastering competencies related to listening, sequencing literary events, and distinguishing reality from fantasy (100%). However, critical areas such as cause-effect relationships (10%), vocabulary development (40-60%), and grammatical concepts like noun usage and sentence structure showed poor mastery (10-40%). These deficiencies suggest that targeted interventions are necessary, particularly in vocabulary acquisition, grammatical understanding, and sentence construction. The study recommended implementing literacy interventions to address the identified areas of struggle. These interventions aim to improve pupils' overall English proficiency and academic performance.



References:

  1. [1] Perry Literacy Center. (2024). The importance of improving English proficiency. Retrieved from https://perryliteracy.org/the-importance-of-improving-english-proficiency
  2. [2] Shanmugasundaram, S. (2023). The importance of learning English in the globalized world. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-learning-english-globalized-world-shanmugasundaram
  3. [3] Khurram Siddiqui, S., Qadri, F. Y., & Chachar, Z. A. (2023). Proficiency in the English language and global entrepreneurship: A pathway to success. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management, and Innovation, 5(5), 821-823.
  4. [4] Ahmad, M., & Khan, A. (2023). The role of English language proficiency in the global economy and business communication. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management, and Innovation, 5(5), 821-823.
  5. [5] UNESCO. (2021). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375641 
  6. [6] OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II) - Country Notes: Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2022-results-volume-i-and-ii-country-notes_ed6fbcc5-en/philippines_a0882a2d-en.html  
  7. [7] Riley, R. (2024). The ripple effect of foreign language study. Retrieved from https://www.lingoda.com/blog/en/our-20-top-quotes-to-inspire-you-when-learning-a-language 
  8. [8] Philippine Star. (2023). Philippines still lags behind world in math, reading and science — PISA 2022. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/06/2316732/philippines-still-lags-behind-world-math-reading-and-science-pisa-2022
  9. [9] Ramirez, J., & Cruz, L. (2023). Vocabulary acquisition challenges among high school pupils in the Philippines. Journal of Language Teaching Research, 18(3), 45-59
  10. [10] Santos, L., & colleagues. (2022). Grammar proficiency issues among Filipino high school pupils: An exploratory study. Philippine Educational Research Journal, 17(1), 34-50
  11. [11] Lim, A. (2024). Reading comprehension challenges in secondary education: A Philippine perspective. Asian Journal of Language Education, 15(1), 89-104.
  12. [12] Garcia, M. (2023). Cognitive development disparities among English learners: Implications for instruction. Philippine Journal of Educational Psychology, 12(2), 56-72.
  13. [13] Reyes, R. (2023). The impact of resource limitations on English language learning: A case study from less equipped schools. International Journal of Educational Research, 20(4), 112-126.
  14. [14] GMA News Online. (2024). PH pupils second to last in creative thinking —PISA. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/910575/filipino-pupils-lag-behind-creative-thinking-in-latest-pisa-report/story 
  15. [15] Unilab Foundation. (2024). PISA Results an Opportunity to Accelerate Progress in Education Quality. Retrieved from https://www.unilabfoundation.org/post/pisa-results-an-opportunity-to-accelerate-progress-in-education-quality 
  16. [16] Santos, L., & colleagues. (2024). Alternative teaching strategies in Filipino language instruction: Enhancing motivation through engagement. Philippine Educational Research Journal, 18(1), 34-50.
  17. [17] Reyes, R. (2023). Colonial legacy and contemporary ELT practices in the Philippines. International Journal of Language Studies, 17(4), 112-130.
  18. [18] Cruz, J. (2023). Use of technology in English language teaching: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Educational Technology, 15(2), 45-60.
  19. [19] Lim, A. (2022). Evaluating 21st-century skills in English language teaching: A Philippine perspective. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 14(3), 78-90
  20. [20] Garcia, M. (2023). Best practices in English language teaching: A focus on multilingual classrooms. Philippine Journal of Language Education, 10(1), 22-35.
  21. [21] Shang, H. F. (2022). The impact of vocabulary instruction on reading comprehension: A meta-analysis. Reading Psychology, 43(5), 441-465.
  22. [22] Alharbi, S. H. (2021). The Struggling English Language Learners: Case Studies of English Language Learning Difficulties in EFL Context. English Language Teaching, 14(11), 108-117.
  23. [23] Romero, J., & colleagues. (2023). Enhancing grammatical competence through targeted tutorial programs: A case study. Philippine Journal of Language Education, 11(1), 78-92.
  24. [24] Whiting, M., Wiggins, J., & Kauffman, D. (2022). A practical review of mastery learning: Implications for educational practice. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(1), 19-23.
  25. [25] Shang, H. (2022). The Role of Technology in Enhancing English Language Learning: A Review of Recent Studies. Frontiers in Education. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2022.880990/full 
  26. [26] Alharbi, M. (2021). The role of morphological awareness in vocabulary acquisition among EFL learners. International Journal of Language Studies, 15(3), 45-60.
  27. [27] Harris, K. R., & Graham, S. (2022). The impact of early grammar instruction on later writing proficiency: A review of recent research. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(2), 215-230.
  28. [28] Haynes, W. (2023). Understanding sentence structure: Challenges faced by English language learners. TESOL Journal, 14(1), e12345.
  29. [29] Sison, J., & Bautista, R. (2022). Engaging students in literary discussions: Strategies for enhancing analytical skills. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 15(4), 123-135.

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic