Augmenting Sta. Lucia National High School Grade 8 Learners' Performance on the Use of Spatial Prepositions through Localized Board Game

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A preposition is often considered as the most difficult part of grammar since it causes much confusion to both English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. In Sta. Lucia National High School (SLNHS), Grade 8 learners commit lots of mistakes when it comes to the use of prepositions as revealed in the error analysis conducted by the researcher. This existing condition prompted the researchers to develop a localized instructional material that would improve students' performance on the use of prepositions also aligned to their point of interest.

METHODS

This employed the descriptive method of research, which utilized the quantitative-qualitative approach, to deal with in-depth analysis and interpretation of the data gathered. An error analysis was done to identify students' faulty use of spatial prepositions. Likewise, an interview to determine students' point of interest and locality was conducted. This became the basis of localized instructional material development. It was followed by the development of localized IM succeeded by the research implementation. It was ensured by the administration of the adapted test and learners' evaluation of the instructional material utilized. Afterward, the transcription of the interviews and analysis of the results of the study were done.

RESULTS

It is determined that there is a significant difference between the number of errors committed by the respondents before and after the utilization of the instructional material. Aside from the large decrease in terms of the respondents' errors, 11 out of 34 attained a zero error after the implementation. The instructional material employed is also found effective and acceptable as evidence in 3.82, 3.52, 3.81 and 3.82 average weighted means in terms of interest, familiarity, clarity, and appropriateness. This implies that the localized board game has a positive contribution to learning spatial prepositions.

DISCUSSIONS

This research is limited to the Dolores district since the places used in the localized board game are within the said locality. However, places may be modified so it may be applied in other locales. This research is innovative since the utilization of localized board game is a new approach in aiding students' understanding of spatial prepositions. This study would also be of great help to language teachers in terms of improving their learners' performance on the said topic.