A Study of Some Factors Responsible for Spelling Mistakes Among Secondary School Students
CHAPTER ONE
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study focused on the analysis of spelling errors in written English of junior secondary schools students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study found out:
- The common spelling errors in written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.
- To investigate the spelling errors in written English of Junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Nigeria based on gender.
- To investigate the spelling errors in written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria based on school type.
- To investigate the spelling errors in the written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria based on school location.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
This section reviews the literature related to spelling mistakes made by students of English language studying at universities. There is a plethora of studies that have investigated spelling difficulties among Arab EFL students when learning the language. One of these studies is conducted by Othman (2018), who investigated spelling mistakes made by the Saudi students at English Department at the University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that the major cause of spelling mistakes is because of the incorrect use of the vowels and their pronunciation as well as the interference of the first language. The study concludes that more concern should be given to spelling mistakes made by the learners. Therefore, it is very important to teach spelling rules and the relationship with pronunciation in learning English language. AlBalawi (2017) investigated spelling errors of the introductory year students at the University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The study concluded that there was an impact on the coherence of students’ writings, which involved errors classified into three major classifications. These classifications include omission, addition and substitution.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain a study of some factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of a study of some factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students
Summary
This study was on a study of some factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students. Four objectives were raised which included: The common spelling errors in written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, to investigate the spelling errors in written English of Junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Nigeria based on gender, to investigate the spelling errors in written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria based on school type and to investigate the spelling errors in the written English of junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria based on school location. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected junior secondary school students in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The purpose of this paper is to factors responsible for spelling mistake among secondary school students. Generally speaking, the process of learning a second language is challenging, where learners are expected to make mistakes. As a result, students who are concerned with the study of English language ought to consider the fact that some languages is entirely different in writing systems from English language. Consequently, the findings of the study reveal that the reasons behind making mistakes by the students of English in secondary school refer to the interference of students’ mother tongue and lack of concentration when answering questions in exams. Besides, the study indicates that many students encounter some spelling problems attributed to the lack of practice of English writing skills. Thus, the best solution for such a problem is to practice more, as the more they practice writing, the better spellers they will be.
Recommendation
Government should employ qualified teachers for teaching of English language especially spelling
School should organize spelling competition
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