Beliefs and strategies in Filipino language learning and academic performance of indigenous students

Abstract

This paper investigated the level of beliefs, strategies in learning the Filipino language, and academic performance of indigenous students. The findings in the study served as basis for an enhancement program. The 74 participants were purposively chosen based on two criteria: they were members of the PAGLAUM, an indigenous peoples’ organization of the University of Mindanao; and they were enrolled in Filipino subject. The descriptive-correlation method was used to ascertain the level of beliefs, strategies in learning language, and academic performance of indigenous students in Filipino. Likewise, the mixed method was utilized to substantiate the profile, level, correlation, and perception in learning Filipino language. Results showed that majority of the respondents were female, freshmen taking Bachelor of Science in Education, and belonged to the Manobo tribe. The levels of beliefs in acquiring the Filipino and direct and indirect strategies in learning the language were high; however, academic performance was average. Interestingly, the results showed linkage between sex and beliefs in language learning and strategies in learning language and academic performance; course and tribe; beliefs in learning language, strategies in learning and academic performance. Findings imply that sex affects the indigenous students’ beliefs and strategies in acquiring Filipino language, and academic performance.

Keywords:

Beliefs and strategies, Filipino language, language learning, academic performance, indigenous people, University of Mindanao