Difficulties in Spelling Encountered By Grade 4 Pupils of Bawi Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learning spell was once regarded, as solely a recognition process. That is to say, spelling was understood as a mirror of speech, a process of making the correct association phonemes (sounds). This purely phonologically system, however, is fraught with many inconsistencies. Discrepancies can be found in the number of letters and letter combinations used to represent certain consonant and vowel sounds. Most letters spell many sounds and many sounds are spelled in various ways. The situation is further complicated by the existence of words containing sounds and silent letters whose symbols are virtually impossible to predict. It seems letters are a few sound-letter correspondences that can be taught which will guarantee the correct spelling of a sound.

METHODS

The researcher finds it fitting to use the descriptive research technique since the study simply describes an existing phenomenon at a given time. To prove this point, the study deals largely on determining the common difficulties in spelling encountered by the students at Bawi Elementary School. Furthermore, it is the intent of the present research to know possible remedies to aid students to spell the word correctly. Based on the difficulties and proposed remedies, the researcher will then propose a plan of action to overcome the common difficulties in spelling.

RESULTS

The results show that the usual difficulties of the respondents toward spelling: poor comprehension, insufficient learning in the English grammar, poor penmanship, poor pronunciation, lack of understanding the word, did not memorize the lesson, no motivation to recite the word and poor follow up in habits.

DISCUSSIONS

After the identification of the various difficulties as well as their possible remedies, an action plan was made. This focused on some activities which could be employed to help the students learn to spell the word. If the student may only have a good study habits, then the other remedies may follow. Specifically, students must exert extra effort so that they can attain success. English is an experiential subject. Students must answer some follow up exercises at home for practice, for them to acquire skills and knowledge in spelling. Their attitudes towards the subject should be also considered. Then these will test the teacher's ability to employ methods and strategies to make the class fun and exciting.