Attitudes, Motivations and Academic Performance in English among the Junior High School Students in Sulangon National High School

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the attitudes, motivations and their relationship to academic performance in English among the Junior High School Students in Sulangon National High School during the school year 2022-2023.The data were obtained from 352 Grade 8, 9 and 10 students respectively in Sulangon National High School. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed in this study. Using frequency counting and percent, weighted mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient were the statistical tools used in the study. The study found out that the respondents' perceived level of positive attitude toward English was high. The respondents' perceived level of negative attitude toward English was low. Standard deviations less than 3.0 supported a high degree of homogeneity in their responses. In addition, the respondents’ perceived level of intrinsic motivation was highly motivated and the respondents’ perceived level of extrinsic motivation was also highly motivated. Additionally, the study found out that the respondents' level of academic performance was very satisfactory, which indicated that the students of Sulangon National High School experienced moderate learning in English. Standard deviations less than 3.0 supported a high degree of homogeneity in their responses. Moreover, the study found out that the respondents’ perceived level of attitude was affected by their sex. However, the respondents’ perceived level of attitude was unaffected by their age and grade level. It was also found out that perceived level of motivation was affected by their sex, age and grade level. Furthermore, data analysis revealed a significant relationship between attitudes, motivation and students' academic performance. This indicated that attitudes and motivations were significantly related to the Junior High School students' academic performance in Sulangon National High School. Hence, it is recommended that the top officials of the Department of Education in the Schools Division of Dapitan City would provide some techniques of communicative language to enhance students’ English learning and encourage them to be optimistic about the English skills practices.