Thesis Bachelor of Arts Major in English Language Studies University of Rizal System Pililla, Rizal

This study primarily aimed to know the strategies in developing English communication skills of the AB ELS student leaders of University of Rizal System Pililla, Rizal. In this study, the researchers applied the qualitative method using a phenomenological research design that goes beyond mere gathering and interpretation of data. Specifically, the study sought to answer questions on what challenges were encountered by the participants in developing their English communication skills; how do the participants strategize to develop their English communication skills; what recommendation did the participants give to other students who experience challenges in communication skills. The participants of this study were the ten (10) AB ELS student leaders of University of Rizal System Pililla, Rizal. The instrument used in this study was Semi-structured Interview Questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of seven (7) questions. The salient findings of the study revealed that with respect to challenges encountered by the participants in developing their English communication skills. It was found out that AB ELS student leaders are having a lack of vocabulary words and it was the major challenge that they are facing and remain as a problem. Another is having a lack of confidence because of the fear of making mistakes about grammar and pronunciation of words. But this challenge was surpassed because of the strategies that they did and stated that they are progressing because they can now express, themselves and can talk in a crowd using the English language. There are also participants who stated that COVID-19 Pandemic is also a challenge that they have encountered and most of them struggled during the distance learning and caused them to become stagnant and spent most of their time on social media. In terms of strategies that they used to develop their English communication skills, it was revealed that reading books is the most utilized strategy of the AB ELS student leaders that helps them to discover vocabulary words and some read the book aloud to see if they are pronouncing the words correctly. Speaking in front of a mirror is also used to enhance their speaking skills and confidence. Followed by watching English movies. Aside from the entertainment, they also discover new sets of vocabulary words and proper pronunciation. And the note-taking strategy of some AB ELS student leaders that helps them to recall the words and be able to use them in discourse. Among the three (3) prevailing challenges encountered by the AB ELS student leaders, having a lack of vocabulary words remains as a challenge. This study concluded that most of the participants have a lack of vocabulary words and reading books is the most utilized strategy that help them to develop their English communication skills.