Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the role of English language proficiency on academic performance of Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) candidates. Random and available sampling techniques were employed. Accordingly, 50 candidates’ (41 male, 9 female) and two public Universities were sampled. Secondary data of candidates were obtained from the archives of sampled Universities’ registrar office. Simple linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis techniques were used. Language proficiency, University, grade point average, gender and University entry grade point were used as independent variables for multiple regression analysis; while academic performance was used as dependent variable. In the simple linear regression analysis, language was the only independent variable; whereas academic performance was the dependent variable. The study confirmed that language proficiency was found to be statistically significant predictor of academic performance with simple regression analysis with R Square (r2) value of 9.3% and sig’ value of P=.032. In multiple regression analysis, the model was also found to be statistically significant predictor of academic performance with r2=56.6% and P<.000. Accordingly, implications and recommendations of the study were discussed and forwarded.
Highlights
Quality of education which is measured in terms of students exam score for the current case could be affected by enormous factors such as language skill, students’ socio economic background, teacher effectiveness, methodology, student’s interest, school/institution quality among others [4, 12, 22]
A study conducted on the impact of language on academic performances of undergraduate students in Somalia indicates that English language has insignificant predictor value of academic performance [2]
A study conducted in Saudi Arabia among medical preparatory students, indicates that English language proficiency has a positive correlation with academic performance [3]
Summary
Quality of education which is measured in terms of students exam score for the current case could be affected by enormous factors such as language skill, students’ socio economic background, teacher effectiveness, methodology, student’s interest, school/institution quality among others [4, 12, 22]. Language proficiency is considered as one of the most determinants of students’ academic performance which is the concern of this study. It is understandable that language skill is a tool and key to grasp academic concepts across disciplines. In the absence of language proficiency, it would be unthinkable to understand and know the meaning and concept of any subject concept within the academic world [15]. English language has been one of the most widely used medium of communication and instruction among many countries of the glob [4, 12]. With the exception of few countries, many of the countries use English as their second language which in turn imposes difficulty to master and adequately exploit its use as medium of communication and instruction
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