ACTION RESEARCH ON THE CAUSES OF GRADE SIX PUPILS’ INABILITY TO

SPELL WORDS IN ENGLISH

Context and Rationale

Spelling is a language sub-skill under writing. It is such an essential skill of

writing that has to be mastered by all learners and users of English language for the

purpose of good communication in the written form of the language. Spelling is usually

described as the correct arrangement of letters to represent a word. It relates to the

knowledge of the system of symbols and rules used to represent spoken language in

writing. In order to express our thoughts and our feelings we need to be accurate in our

spelling or else, we will not be able to convey the right meaning of what we think and

feel.

In the classroom, poor spelling can ruin a well-thought-out paragraph, causing

the reader to fumble and reread, which can diminish from the overall meaning of the

sentence. This is, of course, especially troublesome for pupils when that reader happens

to be their teacher.

When a child’s spelling ability falls below that of same- age peers, it can

undermine his or her confidence and result in poor performance at school. It may affect

both the number of pupils writes and the complexity of their written work. They can be

reluctant to participate in group activities, especially those which involve writing on the

board, and are less likely to take notes during lessons.

In recent years, the standard of English has been criticized as being low. The

Chief Examiners Report on the 2001-2010 Basic Education Certificate Examination

(B.E.C.E.) singled out poor spelling as a major cause of the poor performance by

candidates during examination (Lawrence Bosiwah,2015).

The current situation of grade 6 pupils’ inability to spell words in English affects

their learning and performance in school. The adviser encountered this problem based

on the result of their daily reading activities, results of the quizzes, and pupils’

performance output and observations on informal and formal themes. The challenges

faced by the adviser motivates her to conduct the study.

ACTION RESEARCH QUESTION

This action research aims to find out the causes of inability to spell words in English

among grade six pupils of Barangbang Elementary School for school year 2022-2023.

Specifically, this study will seek answers to the following questions:

1. What causes grade six pupils’ inability to spell words in English?

2. What measures can be utilized to improve pupils’ inability to spell words in English?

PROPOSED INNOVATION, INTERVENTION AND STRATEGY

To improve the spelling ability of grade six pupils, the following method and

strategies should be applied:

1. Spelling should be included as a major aspect of English Language to be taught

in elementary schools.

2. Students should develop the desire to learn correct spellings and denote

necessary time to learning it.

3. Emphasis should be laid on spelling rules in all recommended English language

texts for elementary schools

4. Teachers should develop interest in and create more time to teaching spellings.

5. Spelling competitions should be organized among pupils.

 6. Writing paragraphs and compositions in their informal theme and formal theme

notebooks.

7. Teachers should provide sufficient reading materials for pupils to enrich their

vocabulary.

8. Putting up a mini-LRC inside the classroom to encourage pupils to read the

newspaper, books, and magazines during their free time.

9. Organizing pupils into peer groups for individualized spelling practice.

10. Use reward system among pupils who correctly spell the words every session.

This will motivate them to listen attentively and diligently.

Action Research Methods

This study will make use of descriptive method of research. Data collected will be

analyzed using frequency counts and percentages.

Participants and other Sources of Data and Information

The target participants of the study will be the grade VI pupils of Barangbang

Elementary School who are officially enrolled during the school year 2022-2023.

Data Gathering Method

The researcher will gather information to identify the causes of grade six pupils’

inability to spell words in English through the use of pre-test using standardized test from

the Spelling Program for Filipinos based on the Stetson Reading- Spelling Approach

(Casuyon 1997). The second instrument will be a self-designed questionnaire to elicit

responses on the causes of inability to spell words in English. Data collected will be

analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages.

 Ethical Issues

Prior to administration of diagnostic/ pretest, permission to conduct the study will

be obtained from the office of school principal. Likewise, prior consent from the parents

of grade six pupils will be secured before the participants will be permitted to take the

test. All data gathered in this study will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Data Analysis Plan

The data gathered in this study will be analyzed and interpreted using mean,

frequency, and percentage as descriptive statistical tools. Likewise, the findings of this

study will be utilized in formulating policies and interventions to address the problem of

inability to spell words in English.

Finally, the findings of this study will be presented or disseminated to other

educators and researchers during the annual research forum of the Department of

Education, Division of Antique.

Action Research Work Plan and Timelines

The following timelines will be observed in the conduct of this baseline study:

Research Activity Duration Timelines

Prep. of research proposal ` 2 weeks March 30-April14,2023

Dev. of research instrument 1 week April 17-April 21,2023

Data collection activities 1 month April 24- May 24,2023

Data analysis and interpretation 1 week May 24-June 2,2023

Preparation of final report 2 weeks June 5-June 16,2023

 Cost Estimates

In conducting this study, the following expenses will be incurred

Research Activity Quantity Items Cost

1. Reproduction of Research Bookpaper (short) 500

2 reams
Instruments Computer Ink 380

2. Expenses for data analysis and 2 reams Bookpaper (short) 500

finalization of output Computer Ink 460

3. Encoding, printing, and Snacks 500

photocopying during the Printing 1,000

research process Photocopying 1,000

Snacks
1,000
Rent (Venue)
4. Expenses for 500
Certificates and Token
dissemination/advocacy 1,000
Load for Internet
300
Connection

Bookpaper (short) 250

6. Reproduction of final research
1 ream Computer Ink 500
Report
Binding 300

8190
TOTAL COST
 Plan for Dissemination and Advocacy

The possible findings of this study will be used by grade seven teachers as bases of

their classroom instruction strategies. Likewise, the findings of this study will be utilized

in formulating policies and interventions to address the problem of Grade VI pupils

Inability to Spell Words in English.

References

Bosiwah,L. (2017, September).Applied Linguistics. Retrieved March 30,2023 from

ooooooohttps://www.researchgate.net/profile /languages and linguistics

Casuyon, A. (1997, October). The Spelling Program for Filipino

Moats L. (copyright 2008) The International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheet Series.

0000000Retrieved March 23,2023 from www.readingrocketsorg/spelling and dyslexia

Spelling definition and meaning. Retrieved March 30,2023 from

https://dictionary.cambridge.org.