Abstract:
Introduction
English language is the most effective and common medium of communication globally and most
Medical Degrees are conducted in English Medium. In order to improve English language
proficiency, universities conduct an induction programme focused on English language at the
beginning.
Objective
The main objective was to determine the association between English language proficiency and
academic performance of first year medical students.
Methods
A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University
of Sri Lanka using demographic data, Z scores, results of the Continuous Assessment Test (CAT)
during the first semester and English tests of the first year students. Permission was obtained to
extract data from the existing databases of the Faculty. Data was analyzed using paired t and
spearman correlation tests.
Results
A group of 72 medical students was included in the study where the majority (69%) were females.
Means of Z scores of A/L examination (at school) English language test and CAT marks were
1.71(SD±0.13), 60.28(SD±12.74) and 50.02(SD±10.48) respectively. There was significant
positive correlation between English language test results with Z scores (r=0.314, p=0.009) and
CAT results (r=0.546, p<0.001). Comparison (paired t test) of pre and post English course test
results revealed that there is a significant improvement in English language proficiency (p<0.001,
mean=8.7+6.3) after conducting 8 weeks of induction programme.
Conclusions
There was a significant impact of the English language proficiency in academic performance of
first year medical students. Induction programme which mainly focused on English language
proficiency has significantly improved language skills of first year students.
