Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify the role of the level of proficiency in the English language with high-performing third-year students in the Mayan area of Yucatán, near a tourist region called the Riviera Maya. The aim was also to explore the relationship between learning a second language and the subsequent overall improvement in the academic performance of students. These 114 high-achieving students were selected from 1177 students who had taken a standardized English test administered in seven middle schools in the region. Subsequently, individual interviews were conducted with the 21 students with the highest level of English and a focus group of ten students with low-level scores. The results showed an improvement in the English language, as well as its influence in reaching academic prowess in other subjects. This initial study indicated that the reinforcement of English language skills had broader benefits on other academic performance.
Highlights
The role of English education in Mexico: A brief outline 48English is important at a worldwide level: It is used in areas as diverse as education, economics, communication, business, and many more
Mexican students present a low level of proficiency in this language, and it is necessary to establish an alternative perspective that could offer support for the benefits of having the skills of production and reception of the English language
According to Krashen (1984), the theory of second language acquisition is based on five hypotheses: the first one was Learning vs. Acquisition regarding the conscious or unconscious development of the language; the second one was the Natural Order, focused on the grammatical structures that are learned first; the third one was the Monitor, where the conscious process reviews and corrects what is communicated in the second language based on what has already been learned; the fourth one was the Input Hypothesis, i.e., the entry of understandable data in which the person is in contact with the second language; and the fifth hypothesis was the Affective Filter, which considers this factor as a trigger for motivation in language acquisition
Summary
The role of English education in Mexico: A brief outline 48English is important at a worldwide level: It is used in areas as diverse as education, economics, communication, business, and many more. Mexican students present a low level of proficiency in this language, and it is necessary to establish an alternative perspective that could offer support for the benefits of having the skills of production and reception of the English language. This has the potential to help the monitoring and execution of educational programs focused on teaching English. According to Education First (2018), Mexico is ranked 57 out of 88 countries with 49.76 points This is the result of a test administered to 1.3 million participants and quantifiably demonstrates a low level of language proficiency. Amongst Mexico states, the first place with 54.53 points was obtained by Mexico City, while Yucatan obtained eighth place with 51.04 points
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Latin American Journal of Content & Language Integrated Learning
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
