Perceived Writing Difficulties of Grade 8 Students in Cluster 5 Public Secondary Schools Division of Laguna S.Y.2016-2017: Basis for a Proposed Writing Manual

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Writing is a fundamental skill that facilitates communication among individuals. As children proceed with informal education, writing is employed as a form of communication that demonstrates knowledge and creativity, High school students learn basic writing skills in a teacher-centered lesson. This study focused on perceived writing difficulties of Grade 8 students in Cluster V Public Secondary Schools, Division of Laguna as Basis for a Proposed Writing Manual.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research was used in the study. The respondents of the study consisted of 30 English teachers who were selected through systematic random sampling technique. A self-made questionnaire-checklist was used in determining the perceptions of the respondents on the writing-related activities where the students participate, the writing difficulties of students, as well as the instructional tools they used.

RESULTS

English teachers used a variety of activities related to writing. Majority of them used spelling contest, journal writing, and reflective writing (80.00%), followed by story writing, essay writing contest, writing a reaction paper (76.67%), summary writing (73.33%), diary writing, campus journalism, letter writing contest (56.67%), writing a poem (46.67%), slogan making contest (43.33%), and the least was scriptwriting (26.67%).

DISCUSSIONS

In focus and detail, the overall weighted mean obtained was 3.08 belonging to a good level. Most of the students could generally write a clear and well-focused topic in composition, an organization, was 2.83 belonging to a good level, generally write a well-structured composition displaying a beginning, a body, and a conclusion, in word choice, was 2.62 belonging to a good level. The students could use words that can communicate, in grammar, which was 2.63 belonging to a good level. The students knew when to use the nouns and pronouns in a sentence. And in spelling, it was 3.14 belonging to a good level. The students were not confused with the use of words starting to the letter p and f. Majority of them used writing to explain (90.00%), This was followed by displaying classroom management like daily messages (86.67%), concept mapping (66.67%), video streaming (63.33%), graphic organizer (56.67%), photo essay (46.67%), mind mapping (26.67%), writing online (16.67%), and least was digital tool and blogging (10.00%) to help improve students in learning writing skills.