Students’ English language proficiency and anxiety level

This study was conducted to investigate the students' English language proficiency and anxiety level among Freshmen College and Senior High School students at the Visayas State University (VSU). The first set of data was gathered from 227 Freshmen College students selected at random. Research instruments used were a questionnaire, English proficiency tests, and in-depth interviews. Data were gathered using descriptive statistics. Wilcoxon and Friedman analyses were also used. Results showed that the Freshmen College students' overall English language proficiency is "fair". Most of them had average proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Only a few got high proficiency level in these areas. Through in-depth interviews, results further revealed that the factors affecting the respondents' English language proficiency were the type of school attended, sources of support, English teachers, study habits, and attitudes toward the English language. The study has come to conclude that respondents were aware of their level of language proficiency, and that they could attribute this on some factors that somewhat affect their learning of the target language. The second set of data was gathered from 203 Senior High School students through a questionnaire and English proficiency tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r statistical analysis was employed to determine relationship between proficiency and anxiety. Findings revealed that the Senior High School students were competent users of the English language in four language skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This means that they can communicate and express their ideas well using the English language. Results suggest that taking a proficiency test to determine one's level in language proficiency would be a good challenge for students if they really do want to improve their proficiency in the target language which is English.