An analysis of punctuation errors in the writing of the 7th Graders: A case of an upper primary school in Oshana region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the challenges faced by learners in using punctuations correctly during writing and the factors hindering the effective teaching and learning of punctuation marks in English as a second language, in Grade 7. The study also explored possible ways that might be used to improve the teaching and learning of punctuation marks. This was both a qualitative and quantitative study, whereby the teachers and learners were purposefully selected as participants for this study. This study used questionnaires, punctuation mark test and an interview method whereby interview guides were used to collect data. This study revealed that most upper primary school learners were struggling to use exclamation marks, quotation marks, commas, and question marks correctly during writing. According to the participants (teachers), inappropriate teaching methods and lack of teaching aids, laziness and ignorance among learners, poor teaching skills and lack of updated teaching and learning resources for English were identified as the main factors hindering effective teaching and learning of punctuation marks in English as a second language. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommended that teachers should incorporate modern teaching and learning materials for English to improve the teaching and learning of punctuation marks. Equally, teachers should make use of the locally available resources to create teaching materials and use them to teach. English teachers should enforce different measures and teaching strategies to assist specifically lazy and ignorant learners in order to improve the teaching and learning of punctuation marks in English as a second language. Moreover, English L2 teachers should be offered in-service training and workshops by the language advisers and other English experts to acquire more skills on teaching punctuation marks. Finally, English L2 teachers should organize team groups and peer observations to help one another on how to teach punctuation marks.