Syntactic Convention Competence in Practical Research 1 of the Select Eim 12 Students of Spshs 1, SY 2017-2018: A Basis for Proposed Syntax Enhancement Activities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Even professionals still encounter difficulties in composing organized, coherent, mechanically correct and well-thought written reports. Relative to this, Grade 12 Electrical Installation and Maintenance students who are supposed to be future electrical engineers and other skill-related professions still fail to meet the syntax conventions and standards. With this, the researcher designed a remediation, enhancement and reinforcement activities conforming to the needs diagnosed.

METHODS

Descriptive Method of Research through content and document analysis were utilized in evaluating the selected students' level of mastery of the syntax. Ten groups of five to six students each were involved in this study. Students' Practical Research outputs were used in identifying their weaknesses in writing. These outputs were compared to the properties of a well-written text such as organization, coherence and cohesion as well as language use and mechanics. Likewise, journals and other reading materials related to the topic were instrumental in finding support for the responses of the select respondents.

RESULTS

It was through this study that the researcher was able to unravel one of the pressing issues with regard to communication. The select respondents were found out to manifest great problems on the mechanics that includes the use of correct capitalization, spelling, punctuation and grammar. Despite having taken subjects such as English for Academic and Professional Purposes and Reading and Writing Skills, the said EIM students still experience such syntax difficulties.

DISCUSSIONS

With the aforementioned findings, Syntax Enhancement Activities (SEA) was proposed to help these future professionals improve their communication skills. However, it should be noted that these findings still remain inconclusive since only one teacher checked and assessed their outputs based on her writing style and preferences. Despite its pronounced weakness, being able to resolve this syntactic competence issue will surely contribute a lot to students' personal and professional growth.