English Language Proficiency as a Predictor of Academic Performance in the College of Nursing, Kuwait

The English language proficiency of international students has gained considerable attention in the media, but more significantly in the academic realm. Proficiency in the English language is of prime importance and is regarded by numerous researchers as one of the determining factors of academic success. This study aimed to gain insight into the correlation of the English proficiency with the academic performance of all 50 students who have graduated from the College of Nursing, Kuwait in the Academic Year 2015 – 2016. Utilizing a retrospective and correlational research design, students’ records in levels one to five were reviewed. Data were collected through record review of graduate students. Data analysis utilized the Minitab version 14. Other tests used were the descriptive statistics, T-test, ANOVA and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, with p value set at less than 0.05. Results of the study revealed that there is a moderate correlation between the overall English language proficiency and the overall academic performance both in nursing courses, with p value of 0.001, and in non-nursing courses, with p value of 0.0. As the student’s period of stay in the college increases, there is a negative correlation with the following: English proficiency (- 48%; p =0.0); academic performance in nursing courses (-50.6%; p=0.0); and, academic performance in the overall courses (-53.6%; p=0.0). For both, English language proficiency and academic performance, there is no relationship with other variables such as age, sex, and nationality. Findings of this study may facilitate modifications both in the English Language Program and strategies to make them more responsive to students’ needs in nursing and non- nursing courses, thereby leading to an improved academic performance of the students and ultimate enhancement of their productivity. Keywords: English Language Proficiency. Academic Performance. Grade Point Average