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65.3% UNC SHS learners satisfied with EIE SPREAD- survey FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY AND FRANCISCO CLAY, JR. IN THE RECENTLY conducted survey among 101 University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School learners, 65.3% or 66 students expressed satisfaction with the English Immersive Environment (EIE) SPREAD program this school year. Meanwhile, 23.8% or 24 learners were unsure if they were satisfied while the remaining 10.9% expressed dissatisfaction. According to ABM 11 learner Rhoda Mae Cabato, the program helped them in improving their usage of the English language, especially during classes. “During classes, we were always encouraged to speak in English. If we pronounce a word wrong, we will get corrected. This helped me and the others to improve our English skills,” Cabato explained. However, this was refuted by STEM 11 learner ‘Kara’ (not their real name), who suggested that impromptu and extemporaneous speeches should be conducted rather than videos as it can further improve their ability to communicate in English. “I think the students need some experience like impromptu and extemporaneous speech to improve their grammar and also the ability to communicate using the English language,” ‘Kara’ said. Flexi-Kit learners have also expressed that they were unable to ‘feel’ the said program, saying that the activities are ‘for the Flexi-Tech’ learners. “I am a modular learner, so I can’t feel it,” STEM 11 learner ‘Ami’ (not their real name) responded. On the other hand, a Grade 12 modular learner from GAS L said that even if they are not required to submit their recorded videos, they are still obliged to speak professionally with their learning facilitators using the same medium that serves as their way to improve.
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Among the 23.8% unsure learners, four learners said that the program is good, however, they can’t really observe some improvements in their communication skills. “I’m not sure, because honestly, I really think the EIE spread program is good and encouraging but this school year, as we all are struggling and coping up with the changes in the school systems and the new normal, I didn’t think much of the program and considered it as one of the school works and I sometimes do the EIE videos on a whim, without any effort as I have many due projects and activities. That’s why I’m not sure if I’m satisfied or unsatisfied with the EIE program this year, considering the extreme pressure and circumstances we all have,” STEM 11 learner ‘Eclair’ (not their real name) explained. This was also agreed upon by STEM 11 learner ‘Matcha’ (not their real name) who’s currently. According to her, it is somehow helpful for the students especially to the online learners but eventually, it just became another task to be
65.3% Satisfied
10.9% Unsatisfied 23.8% Unsure
complied by the learners which makes her unsure of her answer. There are also some students who are unsure since they don’t comply with this requirement anymore just like ‘Krazzy Man’ (not their real name) of ICT-CP 12, “I’m not sure because I haven’t really participated in that activity more often.” In an interview, English Learning Supervisor Nikko Junio said that while the data as to the extent of the impact of the program on the mastery of the English language of the learners are yet to be released, the learners were able to analyze the reading materials properly. “The SPREAD [program] has impacted us in terms of our skill in reading. Some learners, especially Grade 12, don’t actually go back to their strategic reading techniques. But, because of EIE SPREAD, some of them are able to use it. In being able to solve and analyze reading materials or something from the reading materials,” Junio said. He also shared that despite the difficulty in encouraging the learners to submit their videos, they observed that the students’ pronunciation, grammar, and fluency (PGF) are more pleasing to listen to. “I do understand where they are coming from. It is just that they are very hard to motivate to make these videos,” he continued. The low number of outputs sent gave Junio the general idea that the EIE should be strategically implemented to ensure the participation of the learners. “Since Senior High School, ironically, is the only department that stopped integrating EIE in your grading system. What I’m going to do is I want to be more strategic next school year and I’m going to take this with me if we have a POC meeting with everyone in the university,” the learning supervisor explained. Junio also said that they plan to make the reading materials more entertaining, allocate a certain date specifically for the creation of the videos, and let the students be more creative.
