Leveling Up Spelling Proficiency Using Group Activities and Games

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In the past 3 years of participating in different District and Division Level Competitions of La Mesa Elementary School particularly in spelling and writing, the researcher observed that children were not that competitive despite numerous training and practices conducted before the contests. The spelling proficiency of children did not meet the standard required due to several, reasons such as not mastering the skills in phonemic awareness during their later years resulting to poor spelling, uninteresting and unattractive activities employed during the teaching-learning process. This study aimed to improve the level of proficiency of Grade 5 pupils in Spelling using Group Activities and Games.

METHODS

A descriptive study was employed to describe the spelling performance of 42 pupils before and after the utilization of spelling activities and their experiences. The statistical tools like weighted mean and mean percentage score were utilized to define the level of performance of pupils in spelling before and after the implementation of different strategies. A standard deviation and paired sample t-test were also employed for hypothesis testing.

RESULTS

Most of the learners improved their level proficiency in spelling. Majority of them reached a high performing level after every spelling activity. It was also revealed that the spelling activities used by the teacher had played a significant effect on the improvement of spelling performance which was clearly shown on the difference between pre-test and post-test scores. Furthermore, the learners were able to relate their learning experience in spelling. They had positive responses towards group activities and games. They felt excited, motivated, happy, and challenged every time there is an activity in spelling. Through these activities, they were able to realize the importance of teamwork and helping each other to achieve the common goal.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for pupils to be exposed to different innovative and creative strategies (Group Activities and Games) to help them to improve their spelling performance. These aided learners in keeping them motivated and interested in the lessons.