Needs Assessment of Selected Grade 9 Students in Writing Compositions in English: A Basis for Writing Enhancement Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Writing especially in English is one way of organizing thoughts, showing awareness and familiarity on certain issues, manifesting someone's ability to use the conventions of the language efficiently. But since English is just a secondary language to us Filipinos, some students really find it hard to express their thoughts in English. According to Fisher, Myer, and Dobelbower (2017), writing skills are imperative for students in any career, however, many students have acknowledged avoiding courses that emphasize writing. Students may accept it or not, writing is a basic skill that one should really learn and develop. Every activity, test, and some performance require effective writing skills to manifest how well they know about the subject. Recent writing activities on the 1st and 2nd quarter of the school year 2018-2019 in English 9 revealed many problems that should be addressed. Thus, this basic research is conducted to analyze students' needs in writing and propose a writing enhancement program.

METHODS

This basic research employed both qualitative and quantitative research method. Selected students' written composition is assessed through the use of Analytic Scoring Rubrics from the Oregon K-12 Literacy Framework -Writing developed by the Literacy Leadership State Team. An interview is also conducted on selected Grade 9 students to find out which part of the writing process have they found difficult. Moreover, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the group of English teachers in Gen. E. Aguinaldo National High School -Bailen was conducted to find out the specific competencies that should be taught to address the needs.

RESULTS

Based on the assessment of students' composition, translations of thoughts in English, organization of logical ideas in paragraphs, utilization of different sentence structures, correct usage of agreements, capitalizations and punctuations are some of the major difficulties of students in writing. Furthermore, specific lessons such as sentence structures, parts of compositions, capitalization and punctuation rules, and subject-verb agreement are some of the competencies that can help to address the encountered problems.

DISCUSSIONS

This study concludes that there is a need to develop a writing enhancement program that could address the writing needs of students in Gen. E. Aguinaldo National High School -Bailen, thus the Project WRITE (Writing and Reading Intensively Towards Excellence) is hereby suggested.