English proficiency and academic achievement of technical undergraduates

Abstract

This study identifies the factors that contribute to the students’ English language proficiency among Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) undergraduates. It further explores the impacts of the undergraduates’ language proficiency towards their academic performance. A quantitative and non-experimental approach were used for data collection purposes where data were collected through online questionnaire. There were 116 participants from Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) MIIT undergraduates involved in this study. Data analyses were made using inferential and descriptive statistical analyses. Statistical analyses revealed that the undergraduates’ academic achievement was influenced by their attitude towards the use of English and their high school English performance. In contrast, the findings indicated that the undergraduates’ residency did not contribute to their English language proficiency. It was also indicated that there was a significant difference between the undergraduates’ level of English Language Proficiency based on their academic achievement. In brief, the findings of this study provide useful insights on how undergraduates’ English language proficiency is influenced by many external factors that eventually affect their academic performance. It is crucial to be proficient in English language so that not only students are able to perform excellently in school but also in tertiary institutions. After all, graduates who are proficient in English will be in demand specially to cater the need to work in the English medium environment. Thus, this research paper will provide some improvements and recommendations in assisting the tertiary institutions to produce more in demand graduates who are able to compete at the international level.