INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (IJELCS )

E-ISSN 2545-5702
P-ISSN 2695-2157
VOL. 10 NO. 1 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no1.2025.pg88.115


Nexus between English Language Proficiency and Educational Attainment: A Review

Adamu Usman Jajere, Raji Omeneke Alice


Abstract


The connection between English language proficiency and education is critical in determining students' academic success. This study examines the impact of English proficiency on students’ academic achievement, the challenges faced in learning and using English effectively, and strategies for improvement. The study aims to analyze how English proficiency influences learning outcomes, identify barriers to language acquisition, and recommend solutions for enhancing proficiency. A secondary research method was employed, utilizing existing literature from peer-reviewed journals, academic reports, and educational policies. The findings reveal that students with higher English proficiency perform better academically, engage more actively in class, and develop stronger cognitive skills. However, major challenges include linguistic interference, inadequate learning resources, and insufficient teacher training. The study concludes that enhancing English proficiency significantly improves academic performance. Key recommendations include implementing targeted language support programs, improving teacher training, integrating technology into learning, and fostering practical language use. Strengthening English education policies and providing more instructional resources will further bridge proficiency gaps and promote student success.


keywords:

English, Proficiency, Education, Learning, Achievement


References:


Akramy, A. (2024). The impacts of English language proficiency on employment opportunities
in Afghanistan. American Journal of Science Education Research. Retrieved from
Azkiyah, S. N., Rahmawati, Y., Shohibussirri, M., Nisa, Y. F., Sunengsih, N., & Mukminin,
A. (2023). English Proficiency as a Predictor of Academic Performance in the Context
of Non-English as a Medium of Instruction. PASAA, 65(1), 32-56.
Baldauf, W. (2024). English fluency as a catalyst for empowerment and social mobility.
Medium.
Barkaoui, K. (2025). The relationship between English language proficiency test scores and
academic achievement: A longitudinal study of two tests. Language Testing.
Baum, S., Cunningham, A., & Tanenbaum, C. (2015). Educational Attainment: Understanding
the Data. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 47(3), 6–15.
Chinese students live in ghettos as they fail to fit in at university. (2024, December 15). The
Times.
Cook, V. (2008). Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. Routledge.
Cummins, J. (1976). The Influence of Bilingualism on Cognitive Growth: A Synthesis of
Research Findings and Explanatory Hypotheses. Working Papers on Bilingualism, 9,
1–43.
Cummins, J. (2000). Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire.
Multilingual Matters.
Daniels, H. (2016). Vygotsky and Pedagogy. Routledge.
Dong, Q., & Yue, X. (2015). Insight from the association between critical thinking and English
writing proficiency. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1091.
Fakeye, D. O. (2014). English Language Proficiency as a Predictor of Academic Achievement
among EFL Students in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(9), 38-41.
Gándara, P. (2011). The impact of English-only instructional policies on English learners.
Colorín Colorado.
Gertner, Y., Rice, M., & Hadley, P. (1994). Early language milestones predict later academic
achievement. Developmental Psychology, 30(3), 483–492.
Hsieh, J. P., & Miao, L. (2020). Non-native English speakers’ experiences in academic settings:
A study on challenges and coping strategies. Journal of Language and Education,
36(4), 267-279.
Hulstijn, J. H. (2015). Language Proficiency in Native and Non-native Speakers: An Agenda
for Research and Suggestions for Second-Language Assessment. Language
Assessment Quarterly, 12(3), 233–249.
Kachru, B. B. (1985). The Alchemy of English: The Spread, Functions, and Models of Non
-native Englishes. Pergamon Press.
Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974).
Li, H., Meng, L., Mu, K., & Wang, S. (2024). English language requirement and educational
inequality: Evidence from 16 million college applicants in China. Brookings Institution.
Li, S., Gu, P., & Qian, D. (2019). The relationship between critical thinking and English writing
proficiency: A meta-analysis. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 31, 1–10.
Macaro, E. (2009). The Continuum of Biliteracy: The Case of Second-Language Learners in
Tertiary Education. Springer.
Mendelson, M. (2017). English proficiency and academic performance: Understanding the role
of language proficiency in academic success. Educational Researcher, 46(1), 45-58.
Sánchez, E. (2019). Overcoming language barriers: The challenges of non-native English
learners in higher education. Journal of Education and Practice, 10(14), 1-9.
Strevens, P. (1980). The Role of English as a Global Language. English Language Teaching,
34(3), 231-245.
Tanko, I. Z., Yushau, B., & Arhyel, I. (2022). Relationship Between Mathematics Performance
and English Language Proficiency Among Senior Secondary School Students in
Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. Galaxy International Interdisciplinary Research Journal,
10(5), 509–516.
Tariq, M. A., Jamil, M., & Iqbal, M. (2018). English as a medium of instruction: Prospects and
challenges in Pakistani higher education. Pakistan Journal of Education, 35(2), 63-80.
UNESCO. (2025). What you need to know about multilingual education.
U.S. teachers face language barriers, student trauma as record migration reaches classrooms.
(2024, October 5). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-teachers-face
-language-barriers-student-trauma-record-migration-reaches-2024-10-05/
US children fall further behind in reading, make little improvement in math on national exam.
(2025, January 29). AP News.
Varthana. (2023). Multilingual Education: Benefits and Challenges.
Vine, W. (2017). Language and power in academic settings. International Journal of Applied
Linguistics, 27(2), 245-263.
Wheeler, L. (2020). As we tackle school segregation, don't forget about English Learner
students. Brookings Institution.
Wheeler, L. (2020). Teaching multilingual learners: Breaking down barriers to success.
Northern Illinois University.
Widin, J. (2010). Illegitimate Practices: Global English Language Education. Multilingual
Matters.
World Education News & Reviews. (2024). Understanding challenges with language of
instruction in multilingual contexts. Australian Council for Educational Research.
Wu, X. (2016). The relationship between critical thinking and English writing ability of college
students. International Journal of English Linguistics, 6(5), 1–9.
Zhang, Y. (2023). The Challenges and Solutions in Bilingual Education. ResearchGate.


DOWNLOAD PDF

Back


Google Scholar logo
Crossref logo
ResearchGate logo
Open Access logo
Google logo