Learning Styles and Brain Hemisphericity: Determinants of English Academic Performance

Abstract

The preparation for global workplace significantly identifies the necessity of developing Filipinos’ competency in using English language in both oral and written communication. However, the two- year study conducted by Hopkins International emphasized the declining proficiency and competency of Filipinos in using the English language. This concerning dilemma could be brought by the irrelevant teaching strategies used in handling students with diverse needs and preferences inside the English classroom. With the end view of aligning instruction to students’ learning preference, the study analyzed the learning styles and brain hemisphericity of students and their relationship with students’ academic performance in English. In order to see the relationship among the aforementioned variables, the researcher utilized descriptive method. Also, the researcher administered survey questionnaire to gather necessary data on learning styles and brain hemisphere dominance among seventy (70) BA Communication students in Batangas State University Lipa. The study revealed that most of student-respondents are visual and left brain learners. Also, it found out that students with kinesthetic learning styles performed very satisfactorily; thus, validating that there is a significant relationship between students’ learning styles and academic performance in English. However, brain hemisphere dominance was seen to be independent to students’ competence in English language.