Difficulties in Writing Encountered by Humanities and Social Sciences Students of Rosario National High School: A Basis for Writing Remediation Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Writing is a medium of communication in which one's thoughts and ideas are expressed. It is one of the vital skills students should learn and develop. Writing follows a very complex process which makes it a difficult skill to be learned. Though writing has been taught since elementary years, it is still one of the macro-skills that students found difficulty dealing with. Difficulties include grammar, vocabulary, organization of thoughts, spelling, and capitalization. In order, therefore, to improve the writing skills of the students, a writing remediation program could be the solution.

METHODS

Employing a quantitative research design, the areas in writing wherein Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)students found difficulty dealing with were assessed and the proficiency level of students in writing was measured. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data for this research work. It was administered to sixty-four HUMSS students comprising thirty boys and thirty-four girls.

RESULTS

The study revealed that among the areas of writing, HUMSS students found most difficulty dealing with grammar. Next, to grammar, students were also having difficulty in the organization of thoughts. Vocabulary ranked third among the areas of writing in which students were having difficulty dealing with. It was followed by spelling which ranked fourth. And the last area was capitalization. In terms of proficiency in writing, it was found out that among 64 students, only 10 students (15.63%) have average grades of 90-94 in their writing subjects. Only 19 students (29.69%) got average grades of 85-89. Most HUMSS students were performing at an average level for 23 (35.94%) of them have average grades of 80-84. And there were 12 students (18.75%) who have average grades of 75-79.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for a writing remediation program that may be used to improve the writing skills and proficiency level of the students. Implementation of writing remediation program would enhance the skills of HUMSS students in different areas of writing.