Language Learning Investment and Students’ Communicative Competence in English

Investing in language learning is necessary, especially to improve communicative competence in English. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between the language learning investment and communicative competence in English of Grade 9 students of Palo 19 National High School. The study explored various facets of language learning investment, including educational resources, technology and tools, academic and personal commitment, and supplementary activities. The study also examines the students' performance in strategic, grammatical, socio-linguistic, and discourse competencies. Using descriptive statistics, the study presented the levels of students' language learning investment and communicative competence. The findings showed that students display moderate to high investment across all areas, with personal commitment showing the highest level of engagement. Meanwhile, students demonstrate competent communicative abilities, with strategic competence being their strongest area. There was a significant positive relationship between language learning investment and communicative competence, suggesting that increased investment in language learning activities leads to higher levels of communicative proficiency. These results align with the Investment Theory in language learning, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement and commitment in language acquisition. Based on the result of this study, an instructional primer has been developed to further enhance students' language learning experiences. This primer integrates diverse learning strategies, including hands-on activities, problem-solving exercises, and real-world applications, to promote greater engagement and enhance students' English proficiency.