Assignment

1) Make a separate phenomenological analysis of the 2 interviews you have made.

 Read the transcripts of interviews 1 and 2;
 Write separate set of horizons (codes) considering the Title you have
chosen at the beginning of our class – do it sentence by sentence,
excluding irrelevant description and labelling only relevant ones (invariant
horizons);
 Proceed therefore from transcribed interviews to the creation of
horizons;
 Write the corresponding Memos.

Words Unveiled: A Qualitative Inquiry into Writing Challenges Faced by English

Learners

INTERVIEWEE 1 College Student from Laguna University

Code 1
(data)
I encounter some of difficulties or common challenges that our English learners
encounter or us English learners encounter when it comes to writing in English. So,
some of that is when we lose focus while writing, especially in writing essays, writing
formal letters.
So, we tend to lose focus because of so many factors. And a lot of students or us
students are sometimes uninterested while writing topics that we don't want to write.
And some of the learners, sir, is when they encounter vocabularies that they or we
don't know.

Horizon (Code 1)
Loss of focus
Memo Horizon 1

One of the main challenges is losing focus while writing. This can be caused by a
variety of factors, such as the difficulty of the topic, the lack of interest in the topic, or the
lack of a clear understanding of the task. Some learners struggle with unfamiliar
vocabulary. This can make it difficult to express their ideas clearly and effectively.

Code 2
(data)
 Also, sir, one of the significant challenges that we face when writing in
English is development of their language or language skills. So, I think this
includes issues with vocabulary, as I said earlier, like spelling and sentence structure.
So, it leads to an inadequate vocabulary that also can hinder our ability to
express our ideas and putting our thoughts clearly. So, especially when spelling
errors happen, not only impact the readability of our work, but also affect our
overall impression of our writing. So, I think poor sentence structure, sir, can
make the text confusing and difficult to follow. So, under meaning the effectiveness
of our communication. So, other is when we often struggle with using, of course,
complex grammatical constructs. It is such as conditional and passive sentences.

Also, sir, in sentence structure issues. So, some of them cannot really put
their ideas into text or especially in text and in speaking. Hindi nila po masyadong
ma-express correctly because I think lack of words or lack of vocabularies in
Filipino and in English. So, I think some of the students limit their vocabularies.So,
that resulting to a limited use of words. So, limited use of expressions na pinu-put
nila into their speaking and writing skills.

Horizon (Code 2)
Frustration
Memo Horizon 2

The challenges faced by English learners when writing in English, specifically

focusing on language development issues. The learners reiterate the challenge of
unfamiliar vocabulary, emphasizing its impact on expressing ideas clearly. the struggles
with expressing themselves in both speaking and writing, all of which contribute to their
difficulties in effectively communicating in English. It emphasizes the significance of
spelling errors, which not only affect readability but also create a negative impression of
the writing, the issue of poor sentence structure, emphasizing its ability to make text
confusing and hinder effective communication.

Code 3
(data)

Sir, as a student teacher at Don Manuel, pag kita ko pa lang po on my students , I

see struggles in their faces. So, some of them can't understand what I am saying
because it is English. Some of them cannot write or some of them cannot
recognize sounds like sound of a letter. So, they can't really understand what I am
saying.
So, siguro po, sir, mga out of 45 students, there are two learners who have
difficulties in understanding, in writing, and in reading English language. And I
think, yun po yung problem na kailangan natin as English teacher someday, for
me, na kailangan ko pong ma-resolve.

Horizon (Code 3)
Responsibility and Determination
Memo Horizon 3

The student teacher is expressing their concern about the challenges some of
their students face in understanding, writing, and reading English. They estimate that
out of their class of 45 students, two have significant difficulties in these areas. She
recognizes that it is their responsibility as an English teacher to address these
challenges and help their students improve their English language skills. They are
seeking guidance on how to support students with specific language learning needs.

Code 4
(data)

Based on my experience, sir, I see grade students, especially grade students,

grade 7 students struggling in reading Filipino and also English language. Hirap
na po sila in reading Filipino. What more in reading and writing English language? One
of my experience din po is, I see students na they're using English language like in
cell phone text form of spelling. Like, nilalakihan nila yung letters, initial
shortened yung mga letters.
So, tinatanggal nila yung mga a-e-i-o-u in the words or in the sentences. And
millennials po kasi yun na yung expression of using English language and also Filipino
language. So, for them, they can express their thoughts that way, shortening the
spelling of the words. That is very difficult for others to understand because it's
their modern way of communication. And I think that is very not good or as
English teacher or as student teacher, I find it very incompetent for their future.

Horizon (Code 4)
Concern and Responsibility
Memo Horizon 4

The struggles of grade 7 students in reading Filipino and English languages. She
specifically highlights the difficulty students face in reading Filipino, emphasizing that it's
even more challenging for them to comprehend and write in English. She also raises
concerns about the trend among millennials to use unconventional spelling, such as
capitalizing certain letters, shortening words, and omitting vowels. They express their
disapproval of this trend, believing it hinders clear communication and reflects poorly on
the students' English proficiency.

Code 5
(data)

Siguro po sir, my advice is to work hard and pag gusto, sir, mayroon quote, pag
gusto may paraan. Or kung pag gusto, laging mayroong paraan. So find more
resources. Magbasa. Magbasa na magbasa. Magsulat ng magsulat. Then, kumuha
tayo ng mga reliable resources. Do not rely on unreliable sources sa internet. Like
yung mga posted lang, basta sa mga social media, ma'am. Yes, sir. So use the
traditional way of teaching and learning, like reading books, which is more reliable sa
atin. And tips pa po is ask for help. Lalo na po sa mga may alam. Do not hesitate to
ask for help. Lalo na po sa mga parents and teachers and also our classmates po
for us to be able to read and write correctly.

Horizon (Code 5)
Persistence and Determination
Memo Horizon 5

The advice shared in the text underscores a fundamental commitment to hard

work and determination in achieving language proficiency, encapsulated in the quote
"pag gusto may paraan"( "where there's a will, there's a way") .This ethos promotes the
idea that with dedication and desire, solutions can be found. She emphasizes the
essential role of resources by advocating extensive reading and writing, emphasizing
the importance of continuous practice for skill development. Additionally, it stresses the
significance of sourcing reliable materials, cautioning against relying solely on
potentially unreliable internet sources, particularly those prevalent on social media
platforms. It advocates for traditional methods of learning, particularly through reading
books, recognized as more dependable resources for language acquisition.
Overall, It encapsulates a multifaceted approach, urging diligence, reliance on
trusted resources, and the importance of seeking guidance and support for a
comprehensive and effective path to improving language skills.

INTERVIEWEE 2: College Student from Union College of Laguna

Code 1
(data)

Para sa akin, ang mga challenges lang, pinaka-common na challenges para

sa akin, ng pagsulat ng English ay vocabulary, grammar, at saka paggamit ng
mga literary devices. Kasi limited lang yung access sa pagbabasa, hindi naman
palaging makakapagbasa ng mga.Minsan kasi yung mga textbooks dito sa atin, hindi
ganun kalalim yung grammars, lalo na pagka sa mga modules. So kailangan pa ng
mga additional knowledge para mas lumawak yung vocabulary.
Ang problema nga is medyo busy din sa ACAD(academics), so hindi
magkakaroon ng access sa ibang bagay, pagbabasa, ganun. Okay, so in terms of
vocabulary, so sometimes you encountered unfamiliar words.
Horizon (Code 1)
Personal Challenges
Memo Horizon 2
It highlights the challenges in writing in English, particularly in the areas of vocabulary,
grammar, and the use of literary devices. It highlights limited access to extensive
reading materials as a primary constraint, mainly due to restricted availability or depth of
content in textbooks and modules, necessitating additional sources for a more
comprehensive understanding of grammar and vocabulary. The student's academic
obligations appear to have limited their time for additional reading and more in-depth
research outside of the classroom, which further impedes their ability to expand their
vocabulary and be exposed to new words. The text also mentions coming across new
words, which could be a sign of difficulty when writing with unfamiliar vocabulary.

Code 2
(data)
So paggamit kasi ng literary devices, masyado siyang, sobra siyang importante

pag magagawa ka ng creative writing na magagamit mo sa acad(academics). So pagka

hindi mo gamay yung literary devices, hindi ka magkakaroon ng magandang

outcome dun sa sinusulat mo.

Hindi ka masasatisfied dun sa works mo kasi hindi mo nagamit ng tama or

may parang kulang kasi importante nga yung literary devices. So pagka hindi mo

siya sobrang gamay or lack yung knowledge mo about dun sa literary devices, hindi

magiging maganda yung kakalabasan ng sinulat.

Horizon (Code 2)
Frustration

Memo Horizon 2

There's a sense of frustration or concern evident regarding the significance of

utilizing literary devices in creative writing for academic purposes. The student seems to
express a strong belief in the essential role of literary devices in achieving high-quality
outcomes in written work, particularly in an academic context.
There's a clear concern about the potential dissatisfaction with one's own work if
these literary devices are not used correctly or if there's a lack of knowledge about their
effective implementation. The tone indicates a sense of pressure or disappointment,
recognizing that an inadequate grasp of these devices may result in an unsatisfactory
outcome in the written work.

Code 3
(data)

Hanggang ngayon kasi sa college meron pa rin subject na English, purpose of

communication. So sobrang importante ng Vocabulary. Kasi pag hindi mo alam

yun, hindi ka makapasa sa subject na yan. Magagamit mo siya. Yon,

nagkakaproblema minsan do'n ako. Syempre, yun nga pag susulat ng mga

essays, poems, pag sa mga assignment, tas mababa yung vocabulary mo sa

isang, yun nga, sa English, hindi ka magkakaroon ng mataas na grades. Average lang

o kaya below average yung grades na makukuha mo. Yung nagkakaroon ng problem.

Horizon (Code 3)
strong sense of the importance of vocabulary
Memo Horizon 3
It highlights that having a strong vocabulary is necessary to succeed in this
subject and that struggling with vocabulary can cause problems and even failure when
completing assignments, essays, and other writing tasks. She also emphasizes how low
vocabulary can affect academic achievement, with average or below average grades
being the outcome. The tone emphasizes the importance of vocabulary in college-level
English courses by implying worry about the difficulties and issues that may occur when
vocabulary skills are inadequate for academic requirements.

Code 4
(data)

Siyempre, magda-doubts ka pa rin na, may doubts ka pa rin na parang, tama

ba to? Yung, alam mo yung parang, may isip mo na, bakit parang maganda pakinggan,
parang di maganda pakinggan.
So, sa isip, magkakaroon ka ng doubts sa sarili mo kung tama ba yung
knowledge mo tungkol dun sa grammar. Okay, so sa word construction po natin, ah,
sometimes kasi nako-conscious tayo,
if siya ba ay tama ba na may s, may tama ba na mag-add ako, nakapastense ba siya,
tama ba, or there are times naman na tama ba yung pagkakakonstruct ko ng word,
mayroon bang siya agreement, ayan, di ba yung subject verb agreement natin.

Horizon (Code 4)
Insecurity and Hesitancy
Memo Horizon 4

It indicates about whether a construction sounds correct or incorrect may

fluctuate. When someone mentions paying close attention to word choice, tense, and
subject-verb agreement, it conveys their concern about language usage accuracy. This
self-awareness frequently prompts internal inquiry into whether the language
constructions adhere to the standards for appropriate word choice and grammar.
Code 5
(data)
gustuhin muna nila yung isang bagay na ginagawa nila. Kasi kung hindi naman
nila gusto, hindi talaga nila matututunan. Yung willingness kasi ng isang tao,
makapag-motivate sa atin para matuto sa isang bagay. So, ang pinakamagandang
tips nga yun, yun. Pagbabasa, panunood, at saka try mo i-gamitin, mag-sulat, ganun.
So, talagang i-expose sila or i-expose mo yung sarili mo. But first, kailangan is yung
willingness, may kagustuhan mo talaga. Kung gusto talaga maging writer, ayan,
makapag-sulat ka, ay talagang dapat willing ka at passion mo siya or parang hindi
labag sa loob mo.
Horizon (Code 5)
Willingness
Memo Horizon 5

It emphasizes how important "willingness" is when trying to learn or become an

expert at a certain skill. Passion and motivation are the main themes, with an emphasis
on the need to sincerely desire or enjoy what one is doing. It emphasizes the idea that
true learning or mastery is unlikely to happen in the absence of genuine interest or
willingness.
It offers guidance on efficient teaching techniques, emphasizing the value of
exposure through reading, watching, and actively practicing through writing. Still, it
keeps coming back to the fundamental idea of "willingness" as the impetus for these
endeavors. It implies that learning something new or developing one's skills in a certain
area, especially writing, requires a sincere desire or passion.