A Study on English Grammar Learning Difficulties

 

INTRODUCTION

       

        In linguistics, the grammar of a natural language is its set of structural constraints on speakers' or writers' composition of clauses, phrases, and words. The term can also refer to the study of such constraints, a field that includes domains such as phonology, morphology, and syntax, often complemented by phonetics, semantics, and pragmatics. English grammar is the set of structural rules of the English language. This includes the structure of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and whole texts.

        There are differences in English usage in English-speaking countries in terms of spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Findings show that there are six main challenges in teaching grammar namely lack of experience, expectations of the students, lack of facilities, negative perceptions on the teaching of grammar and preparing grammar lessons. Grammar rules are definitely tricky. One of the biggest reasons that learning and using grammar correctly is so difficult is that there are so many exceptions to every rule. It will be almost impossible to be able to learn and master all these different exceptions.

        So many things make learning English difficult and confusing. Its grammar structure, its spelling, meanings, and rules that contradict existing rules are difficult to master. But remember that the situation is the same for English speakers trying to learn a foreign language. For many L2 learners, learning grammar often means learning the rules of grammar and having an intellectual knowledge of grammar. Teachers often believe that this will provide the generative basis on which learners can build their knowledge and will be able to use the language eventually.

 

Need and Significance of the Study

 

        Grammar is critical for learning any language. Grammar is a set of rules that dictates how a language works, making it easy to comprehend. Without proper grammar, one would have no idea how to speak or write in English. It helps us make sense of our words. It also dictates rules regarding how words are used and when they should be used. Without knowing this information, it would be impossible for us to understand anything or say anything at all.

        The majority of people can speak fluent English, but not all of them use proper English grammar. There is a difference between spoken and written English, with the latter focusing more on using proper grammar. English grammar relies on theory, and it can be taught in a class. The learning process becomes complicated due to complex and contradicting grammar rules. The learner’s native language and background could get in the way of learning proper English grammar. There is also a lot to learn regarding English grammar. In this practicum I would like to introduce the terms English grammar, English grammar teaching methods, strategies to teach English grammar.

 

Statement of the Problem

 

        A Study on English Grammar Learning Difficulties Related to Learners and Teaching Methods.

 

Objectives

 

v To find out the difficulties of students in learning and comprehending English grammar.

v to have brief research on English grammar learning difficulties.

v to learn how changing teaching methods can help a student to overcome their difficulty in learning English grammar.

v To create a functional knowledge on the topic.

 

 

 

Hypothesis

 

        There exist difficulties in learning and comprehending English grammar. These difficulties vary in accordance with the nature of learner and teaching methods along with other factors.

 

Methodology

 

        Methodology refers to the various methods and techniques equipped for the purpose of the study it refers to the method of research used, sample of the study, the tool used for the collection and statistical analysis of the study.

 

Method

       

        Survey method is used for the present study.

 

Population and Sample

 

        The sample consists of 34 students from various educational institutions, pursuing their B.Ed degree, UG and PG.

 

 

 

Tools and Techniques

 

        Checklist is the tool used to find out the learner's difficulties in comprehending the English grammar.

 

Checklist

 

        Checklist consists of a list of items with a place to check, or to mark yes or no. Checklist is a type of questionnaire in the form of set of categories or a list of items with a place for respondent or observer to check ‘yes’ or ‘no’. That is the observer records check to denote the presence or absence of whatever being observed.

 

Analysis and interpretation

 

Questionnaire 1:  Students’ difficulties related to the learner.

 

Sl.no.	Questions	Answer (Yes)%	Answer (No)%
1	Do you find various grammar elements of English confusing?	98%	2%
2	Are you confident in using English language without any grammar mistakes?	16.67%	83.33%
3	Are you conscious about your grammar mistakes while speaking or writing?	66.67%	33.33%
4	Do you compare the structure of English language with your mother tongue?	66.67%	33.33%
5	Are you able to identify grammar mistakes after speaking or writing?	91.67%	8.33%
6	Are you able to correctly fix the errors you make with the grammar and the pronunciation?	45.83%	54.17%
7	Do you use correct word forms and parts of speech when you write?	29.17%	70.83%
8	Do you use correct articles and pronounce when you write?	62.50%	37.50%
9	Can you use correct tenses (present, past and future) when you speak or write?	45.83%	54.17%

 

Questionnaire 2: Students’ difficulties related to the teaching method.

 

Sl.no.	Questions	Answer (Yes)%	Answer (No)%
1	Does the teacher focus only on rules of the grammar?	55.56%	44.44%
2	Is grammar taught part by part?	96%	4%
3	Is verbal communication given as much importance as written communication in grammar classes?	33.33%	66.67%
4	Are the learners actively involved in grammar classes?	33.33%	66.67%
5	Is grammar solely thought through translation?	38.89%	61.11%
6	Does the teacher use any teaching aids to teach grammar?	55.56%	44.44%
7	Does the teacher provide related follow up activities to do?	88.89%	11.11%
8	Is meaning also considered while teaching grammar rather than only the form?	61.11%	38.89%

 

 

 

Findings

 

        The findings include students’ difficulties in grammar related to 2 categories. They are students’ difficulties related to the learner and the teaching method.

 

a) Students’ difficulties related to the learner.

 

        The findings showcase that, students experience difficulties while learning grammar. Some of these difficulties are related to the learner. Most of the students, lack confidence in using English language because of the fear of grammar mistakes. Most of them find English grammar elements confusing. They are conscious about grammar mistakes while speaking which hinders their speaking skill. Most of the students compares the structure of English language with their mother tongue. This process interferes in their grammar learning of English. Most of the students are capable of identifying grammar mistakes while speaking or writing. However, most of them are unable to correctly fix the grammar mistakes.

        Also, most of them are unable to use correct word forms and parts of speech when they write. Most of them are confident enough to write correct articles and pronounce. However, most of them are unable to use correct tenses (present, past and future) when they speak or write.

 

b) Students’ difficulties related to the teaching method.

 

        The findings indicate that ineffective teaching methods are the major cause for students’ grammar learning difficulties. They include the teacher mainly focusing on the rules of the grammar. The grammar is taught part by part by the teacher. In grammar classes the verbal communication is not given much importance as the written communication. The teacher gives importance to rules and written communication and ignores verbal communication aspect of the language. Most of the classrooms are teacher centric. The learners are solely passive listeners. Thus, most of the learners are not actively involved in grammar classes. However, grammar is not solely taught through translation. The teachers use teaching aids for better learning experience. Most of the time the teacher provides follow up activities for thorough understanding. The meaning is also considered while teaching grammar rather than only the form.

 

Conclusion

 

        Based on the findings from the survey, students’ difficulties in grammar is related to 2 categories. They are students’ difficulties related to the learner and difficulties related to teaching method. According to the study the learners find English grammar elements confusing sometimes. They are not confident enough to speak in English without any mistakes. Learners always compare the structure of English with Malayalam, and it causes confusion. The students are not confident in their language skills. Moreover, our teaching methods are not highly efficient. Even now classrooms are teacher centric, exam oriented and textbook based. The teacher gives more importance to the rules. Communication is the main goal of learning a language, however teachers tender to ignore verbal communication aspects in the classroom. These things cause grammar learning difficulties in the students.

 

Suggestion

 

        In the present scenario, grammar classes should be promoted to be child centric. Teacher should motivate the learners to study grammar. The teachers should not give over emphasis to the grammar rules, it will cost confusion and frustration. Verbal communication of English should not be ignored while teaching. The teacher should be able to communicate with the native speakers to acquire correct pronunciation and fluency. The teacher should motivate the learners to speak confidently in English. Teachers should adopt new strategies for better comprehension. The teachers should make use of teaching aids and create a healthy environment for better learning experience. The teachers should not follow grammar translation method or other traditional methods but adopt new teaching methods. The learners should find grammar learning enjoyable and less confusing. Thus, it will decrease students’ difficulties related to grammar learning.

 

Reference

 

·       Matas, Christina Poyatos. Student – Centered Grammar Learning and Teaching. VDM Verlag, 2011.

·       Gulo, Ingatan and Ni Ketut Ayu Widianingsih. “Grammatical Difficulties Encountered by second Language Learners”. The Fourth International Seminar on English Language and Teaching at Padang, Vol.2, may 2016, pp. 141-145. ResearchGate, DOI:10.13140/RG.2.1.4330.3284.