-Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce ■ E-ISSN 2229-4686 ■ ISSN 2231-4172 International Refereed Research Journal ■ www.researchersworld.com ■ Vol.– VII, Issue – 1(1), January 2016 [8] DOI : 10.18843/rwjasc/v7i1(1)/02 DOI URL : http://dx.doi.org/10.18843/rwjasc/v7i1(1)/02 THE EFFECT OF CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH IN TEACHING SHORT STORIES AND POEMS TO THE ENGLISH PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS Louie B. Villanueva, Ph. D. Student, Graduate School, Cagayan State University, Philippines. Lecturer, Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University-PTT-EP Mueang, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the Constructivist approach in the teaching of short stories and poems. It involved the experimental group and the control group which were carefully selected through randomization procedures. Both groups were given pretest at the beginning of the term (midterm) and posttest at the end of the term (midterm). But the control group was isolated from all experimental influences. A total of 35 equated second year A and B Information Technology students of the Cagayan State University who were enrolled in Philippine Literature during the second semester, school year 2011-2012 were the subjects of the study. Employing the pretest -posttest experimental design with weighted mean, t -test, frequency count and percentage distribution as statistical tools, it established that the level of performance of the students in their pretest was satisfactory. There was no significant difference between the level of performance of the control and experimental groups in their pretest. The level of performance of the control group in their posttest was satisfactory while the experimental group was very satisfactory. There was a significant difference between the levels of performance of the subjects in their posttests. The gain score of the control group was 5.26 or low while the experimental group was 10.32 or average; therefore, there was a significant difference in their gain scores. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the constructivist approach was better than the traditional approach in the teaching of short stories and poems. Keywords: Constructivist Approach, English Performance, Experimental group, Control group.