Lived Experiences of Senior High School Students with English as a Third Language (E3L)

Abstract

This study focused on exploring the lived experiences of students with E3L in the Philippines, considering the specific context on investigating the challenges encountered in communicating with their classmates and determining how their first language or mother tongue affect language use and understanding. In this phenomenological qualitative research, the purposive sampling design was utilized. As per Bekele and Ago (2022), phenomenological research is a strategy of inquiry in which the researcher identifies the essence of human experiences about a phenomenon as described by participants. In this process, the researcher brackets or sets aside his or her own experiences to understand those of the participants in the study. This study required four (4) participants that comprised senior high school senior high school students in Mamatid Senior High School with English as a third language (E3L). Creswell (2013) suggested that a reasonable sample size may range from 3 -25 participants for a phenomenological study. Based on the testimonies gathered from the participants, they unveiled 39 subordinate themes, 10 superordinate themes, and five (5) main themes. Particularly, these main themes were: (1) Primary Language and Communication Environment; (2) Negative Effects of Mother Tongue; (3) Adaptation and Integration of Media; (4) Supportive Learning Environment; and (5) Language Skill Development. As a result, the researcher produced a Holistic Language Skill Development Plan that incorporates (1) English and Filipino Programs, (2) Integration of Language Education in Home Room Guidance, (3) Utilization of English and Filipino language and Translanguaging, (4) Emphasis on Easy-to-pronounce Words, and (5) Home Support for the Senior High School Students.