Abstract

This qualitative inquiry aimed to unveil the lived experiences, coping mechanisms for the challenges, and insights of first-year college students on the use of the English language in oral reporting in a certain private tertiary academic institution in Davao City. Participants were selected through purposive sampling considering the set of inclusion criteria. With the utilization of the expert-validated researcher-made interview guide questions, themes were culled in understanding the phenomenon. The findings revealed the themes of the challenges of first-year college students: fear of making mistakes in pronunciation and grammar, inability to speak the English language with confidence, lack of oral reporting preparation, and lack of encouragement from teachers. For their coping mechanisms, the following themes surfaced: preparing an outline or script for moral reporting, employing personal strategies in using the English language, utilizing instructional materials in oral reporting, and staying optimistic amidst difficulties in oral reporting. Finally, on the insights drawn from the challenges, the following themes have emerged: giving importance to English language learning strategies, professing the right attitude in improving oral reporting skills, supporting studentcentered initiatives, and considering oral reporting as a future advantage.