Speaking Skills: The Difficulties of Grade 11 HUMSS Students
in Speaking in English at Forbes College
A Practical Research Presented to the
Faculty of the Senior High School Department
Forbes College Inc., Legazpi City
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Academic Track/ Humanities &
Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand
By
Geoshu B. Bocaling
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This chapter includes the background of the study, statement of the
problem, significance of the study, and scope and delimitations
Background of the Study
The English language is known as a universal language. It is used as a
common language when it comes to communicating internationally. There are
countries that use the English language as their first official language such as
England, Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and many Caribbean
nations. Furthermore, the English language serves as a second language in
numerous countries such Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and last
but not the least, the Philippines. The English language was used in the
Philippines as their second official language. In history, the English language
was introduced into the Philippines during the US colonial occupation and civil
regime and become the second official language (1990).
According to the survey conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023 by the
Social Weather Station, 55% of people in the Philippines are competent when
it comes to speaking in English. At a young age, the Filipinos are being taught
at school to read, understand, write, and speak in English. In some schools
they use the English language to communicate with each other’s. Majority of
the language used to teach the students was in English, because of this, the
students were required by some of the teachers to speak in English. Some of
the students who are having a hard time when it comes to the English
language, finds it difficult in class because they are afraid of the judgement by
the people around them.
The problem of the students in speaking in English was the fear of
judgement, lack of knowledge when it comes to grammar construction and
pronunciation and the lack of self-confidence, having no confidence at all
makes it hard for them to speak in front of the class. Overall, the student in
the Philippines is afraid that when they make even a simple mistake in using
this language, they will be laughed at by everyone inside the room. These
events caused a great decline in their academic performance.
Activities and performance tasks at school requires communication,
social interaction, and public speaking, especially when it comes to language
subject such as English related subject. By being afraid of judgement and lack
of confidence in speaking in English, the opportunity for the students to show
what they are capable just disappear and of course, by not showcasing their
true ability in this subject, as a result, their grades will Activities and
performance tasks at school requires communication, social interaction, and
public speaking, especially when it comes to English related subjects.
According to Leong, Lai Mei, & Ahmadi, Seyedeh Masoumeh (2017),
speaking skill is regarded one of the most difficult aspects of language
learning. Many language learners find it difficult to express themselves in
spoken language. They are generally facing problems to use the foreign
language to express their thoughts effectively. This prevents them to develop
social and communication skills in the future.
The researchers conducted this study to find out what are the
difficulties of the students in speaking in English. As the English language is
also used by the researcher in class, the researcher also aims to know, if
there are other students who also finds it difficult to be active in class for not
being a fluent speaker of the English language.
Moreover, the researcher aims to provide a solution to improve the
communication, social, and speaking skills of the students for them to be
confident in public speaking that increases the chances of having a good job
and had a wider range of understanding information and communicate
internationally.
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the personal profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1 Academic Strand; and
1.2 Grade Level
2. What are the factors that cause these difficulties experienced by
Grade 11 students in speaking in English:
2.1 Fear of Judgement.
2.2 Lack of knowledge in grammar construction; and
2.3 Not being a fluent speaker of the English language
3. What are the possible ways to address the challenges faced by
students in using the English language for speaking, with the aim of
improving their academic performance?
Scope and Delimitation
This study aims to know the challenges experienced by students
when speaking in English and how does speaking in English makes it difficult
for the Grade 11 students. This study will specifically only target the Grade 11
HUMSS students who have difficulty speaking English in class. This research
aims to collect thorough and consistent data, which will be analyzed to gain a
more profound insight into the specific challenges encountered by this student
cohort. This study will focus only on the hindrance faced by Grade 11 HUMSS
students at Forbes College Legazpi A.Y 2023-2024 in speaking English. This
is located at Barangay 30 Pigcale, Legazpi City. This study will not be
generalized to other schools, grade levels and senior high strands.
Significance of the Study
The following are the beneficiaries of the research.
Students. The students will benefit from this research by having a platform for
them to express their challenges and experiences. It can help them boost
their confidence and become motivated that leads to a more positive outcome
when it comes to their speaking skills.
Teachers. The study benefits teachers to provide effective language models
and undertake teaching task more competently. It enhances overall
communication and problem-solving skills, as well as understanding of
English grammar.
Administrators. The study will raise awareness among the faculty and staffs,
enabling them to provide supportive learning environment that able everyone
to improve their speaking skills.
Institution. The institution will benefit from this research by creating a new
better academic outcome that focus mainly on the communication skills of
their students that will be highly valued on their future careers.
Future Researchers. This study serves as a future reference for the future
researchers exploring the difficulties experienced by students in speaking in
English.
End note
POTTER, S. AND CRYSTAL, . DAVID (2024, APRIL 19). ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA.
SPRING NATURE. ENGLISH LANGUAGE | FOR RESEARCHERS
FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES (2023), SWS: 47% OF FILIPINOS ‘COMPETENT’ WITH
ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
BETA COLLEGE (2023), 10 REASONS WHY TO LEARN ENGLISH
STANFORD MEDICINE. LANGUAGE
