Difficulties Encountered by Grade 11 Students of Tagaytay City Science National High School in Interpreting Poems

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to determine the most difficult among the four comprehension levels of questions based on the results of the assessment given to the respondents and the causes of these difficulties as perceived by the Grade 11 students of Tagaytay City Science National High School.

METHODS

In gathering the necessary data, the researcher used the four poems in determining which comprehension level students found most difficult or least difficult. These are; The Road Not Taken, in Heaven, Salutations to the Dawn, and Last Night I Heard a Robin Singing. Respondents had to read each poem and then answer the comprehension check given. in finding the perceived causes of difficulty in interpreting poems, the researcher useda survey questionnaire.

RESULTS

Based on the data gathered, it was analyzed that the literal level and interpretative level of comprehension was easy, critical level as moderately difficult and the application level as difficult. The study also revealed the perceived causes of the difficulty in interpreting poems. Giving of meanings to unknown words came out to be a very significant cause of difficulty followed by unfamiliarity with the figures of speech, idiomatic expressions, kinds and elements of poetry and inability to visualize sensory images as a significant cause of the difficulty.

DISCUSSIONS

Identifying the level of questions to which students find most difficult and the reasons behind this difficulty are significant in devising improved techniques and strategies in teaching poetry. It is suggested that English teachers should include in their routine vocabulary enrichment and incorporate in their lessons the kinds of poetry, elements of poetry and figures of speech to provide students the strong foundation needed in effective and meaningful poem interpretation. It is also imperative that teachers should provide activities that will develop students' confidence in expressing their ideas, for administrators to intensify the use of English language and encourage future researchers to conduct further researches on the same study.