Research Capability Program: Readiness and Challenges of BAELS Students in Conducting Language Research

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the readiness and challenges of Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) students in doing language research. This was deemed important, as language research requires students to apply their knowledge in language and to develop other skills. The descriptive-comparative-correlational research design was used in the study to answer the following questions: (1) what is the level of students’ readiness, (2) what are the challenges they encountered, (3) what is the relationship between students’ readiness and challenges, and (4) are these variables similar among students with different demographic profiles? Open-ended questions were added to the descriptive-comparative-correlational design to get students’ responses on their perceptions and suggestions on research difficulties and interventions to address these.
Fifty-eight (58) Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) students participated in the study. Quantitative results showed that the students have good understanding of language research as regards ethical considerations and language research principles, but they have limited preparedness in practical aspects of research such as writing major sections of a research paper, synthesis of literature, designing methodologies, and analysis of data. Challenges were moderate. The two most challenging tasks were time management and literature review. Descriptive answers also showed that BAELS students need structured and hands-on interventions through workshops, writing clinics, and guided consultations to enhance their research competencies.
Hence, it revealed that there were no significant differences in readiness and challenges of the students with regard to gender, age, type of senior high school, and parents’ educational attainment. There was negatively correlated between readiness and challenges, it indicates that students who feels more ready do not experience many difficulties in doing their research. Therefore, the answer to the research question based on the result of statistical analysis was, BAELS students’ understanding of the concept of language research is good, but they need to be guided in terms of practical skill. Research writing, methodology, data analysis and time management intervention at program level will improve them to be more confident and competent in doing language research.