THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF A PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES

This study investigated the current practices and problems on the teaching and learning of English as a second language among the RVM Senior High Schools in the Philippines. The data included both the written and the spoken responses from the survey and interview questionnaires. Actual class observations, focus group and content analysis of learning plans were done. The practices, issues, problems, and concerns were examined using a modified questionnaire focused on pedagogy, content and technological knowledge of the teachers and on the students’ learning experiences and needs assessment. The results obtained state that the practices in teaching and learning English as a second language include provision of curriculum which is over and above what is mandated; the teachers are highly qualified to teach the subject; the teachers provided adequate and appropriate instructional materials, the teachers are effective in the delivery of instruction; and the school administrators ensure an effective instruction. The problems in teaching and learning English are limited vocabulary, learner’s foundation of the English language, and their attitude towards acquiring it, and the congested curriculum guide. The findings also revealed that RVM teachers are more proficient in their pedagogical knowledge as compared to their content knowledge and still need improvement in their technological knowledge. Based on these results a primer on the teaching and learning of English as a second language in the context of a private Catholic Senior High School in the Philippines was developed.