Spelling Errors: Causes, Influence on Students’ Performance in English Language Essay Writing and Strategies for Correcting Them

Case Studies Journal ISSN (2305-509X) – Volume 4, Issue 8 – Aug-2015

5 Pages Posted: 20 Jun 2019

See all articles by Dada, Esther M

Dada, Esther M

Ekiti State University - Institute of Education

Date Written: July 13, 2018

Abstract

Spelling as a language sub-skill is so important in learning any particular language. For students to excel in learning English Language and indeed all subjects (since English language is the language of instruction), they must understand and be competent in the rudiment of spelling. Unfortunately, Nigerian students of English Language seem to be deficient in the use of spelling as a sub-skill of English Language. Most of their write ups are full of spelling errors. It also seems much is not done by the stakeholders to address the problem. This study therefore assessed errors in students essay writing, causes of these errors, the influence of these errors on student’s performance in essay writing and suggested strategies that could be used to correct them. The descriptive research design of the survey type was employed for the study. The population consisted of all secondary schools in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. The sample consisted of 175 students and teachers randomly selected from 5 secondary schools (30 students and 5 teachers per school) within the population area. Two instruments were used for data collection. Students’ essay writing which served as corpus on which analysis was made to identify the pattern of spelling errors and a self constructed and validated questionnaire administered on the teachers to elicit responses on the causes, influence of errors and strategies that can be used to correct them among the students. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. Results showed that spelling errors found in students’ essays include, omission of letter(s), addition of letter(s), reduplication of letter(s) among others. Some of the causes of error include the fact that students don’t usually take the pain to go through their work after writing; there are few books that emphasise spelling errors in the school libraries. Appropriate recommendations are made based on the findings of the study.

Keywords: Spelling errors, Students’ performance in English language, Essay writing, Nigerian students of English language, Error analysis.

Suggested Citation

Esther M, Dada,, Spelling Errors: Causes, Influence on Students’ Performance in English Language Essay Writing and Strategies for Correcting Them (July 13, 2018). Case Studies Journal ISSN (2305-509X) – Volume 4, Issue 8 – Aug-2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3403553

Dada, Esther M (Contact Author)

Ekiti State University - Institute of Education ( email )

Nigeria

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