Unveiling Triad Dimensions: Background Characteristics, Learning Attitude, and English Proficiency of Junior High School Students in Far-Flung Area

Abstract

 In remote and far-flung area, Junior High School students navigated unique challenges that shape their educational experiences, particularly in learning English. Their background characteristics played a crucial role in developing their language attitude and proficiency. Thus, this study employed descriptive-correlational research design investigated the triad dimensions of background characteristics, learning attitude and English proficiency of junior high school students in a far-flung area. The study was conducted among the Grade 7 to Grade 10 students of Datu Ampak Kawan National High School in Basag, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat utilizing total enumeration sampling. Further, the study used the validated researcher-made questionnaire for English proficiency, and adopted questionnaire for learning attitude.

Findings revealed that the students were predominantly female; majority speak Visayan; have workbooks/LAS as common materials read; television as the most frequently used media; and majority of parents have a high school level and below educational attainment. Students generally hold moderately positive attitudes towards English, and demonstrated average proficiency in vocabulary and grammar, but low proficiency in reading comprehension and reading fluency.

Findings further revealed a moderate positive correlation between learning attitude and overall English proficiency. Meanwhile, significant differences  observed between various indicators in learning attitude and English proficiency and background characteristics. The study concluded that socioeconomic factors, particularly parental education, played a significant role in reading comprehension development. Recommendations included implementing literacy enrichment programs, promoting diverse reading materials, encouraging active language use, providing targeted grammar instruction for specific student groups, and engaging parents in their children's education.