Medium of Instruction, Language Proficiency and Learner Profiles: Impact of English Proficiency on the Performance of Learners following the BA Degree in Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper examines how three broad groups of factors affect the capacity of learners to acquire language proficiency which in turn influence learner performance of students admitted to the BA degree programme in Social Sciences. This study programme is conducted exclusively in the medium of English; hence the need to ascertain whether the medium of instruction affects the access to all communities. In terms of access, the paper shows that the current registration pattern is highly skewed to the metropolis while learner success is found to be strongly contingent on the proficiency of the English language. Although the findings do not support sweeping generalizations concerning social exclusion they however signify the need to revisit our admission policies, regulations and support services with a view to addressing issues pertaining to access, diversity and equity of the programmes administered by the Open University of Sri Lanka