The Subject and Predicate of Sentences: Modification Scheme on the skills in Identifying Subjects and Predicates among Second Language Learners

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teaching grammar among students is challenging. More so, Grade 7 students have experienced difficulties in identifying subject and predicate. The action researchers examined the level and difficulties experienced by the students to provide an innovation in teaching the said grammatical skill.

METHODS

A questionnaire was formed and validated to gather data. In the gathered data, score analysis was utilized in analyzing the mastery levels of the student-: respondents and labelled as "Mastered,” "Nearly Mastered," and "Not Mastered.” Unstructured interviews were conducted to gather students' responses regarding experienced difficulties. Moreover, these were supported by the related literature. Then out of the results, the action researchers created activity worksheets to be utilized in teaching.

RESULTS

51% or 127 Grade 7 students in the four sections were under "Not Mastered" in identifying subject and predicate. The results of unstructured interviews linked the problem ofidentifying the essential parts of speech specifically nouns, pronouns, and verbs. Eventually, the action researchers came up with the activity worksheets related to these three parts of speech.

DISCUSSIONS

To address the students' needs, the exercises or activities to be provided for them were modified. There were stages. The first stage was about Nouns and Pronouns. Activities included should be about identifying and classifying nouns or pronouns. It should start from words then phrases until sentences. The later part should be on utilizing nouns or pronouns in their own sentences. The second stage was about Verbs. Identifying and classifying verbs were activities included on this stage. It should also start from words then phrases until sentences. The third stage was about Subjects of Sentences. Identifying skill was also included. The fourth stage was about Predicates of Sentences which included identification skills too. The last stage was about both identifying Subjects and Predicates from sentences. Overall, these five stages would be included in the activity worksheets as an output of the action research. Suggested additional activities may be included. On the other hand, teachers may use multi-: media in presenting videos related to the topic or power point presentation in presenting the activity sheets.