International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Donna May Figuracion, Herlynne Grace Manaoat
Graduate School Department, Bulacan State University
Guinhawa, City of Malolos Bulacan, Philippines
I. INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE
Grammar is one of the main tenets of language learning. According to Sioco and De Vera (2018), grammatical competence is vital in order for individuals to communicate effectively. Competence in grammar also ensures the comprehensibility of the message that is being communicated among the interlocutors of a conversation. Bradshaw also stresses that one’s grammar skills are directly proportional to one’s writing skills; thus, mastery of grammar contributes to masterful writing (2013, as cited in Sioco & De Vera, 2018, p. 83).
Other studies about teaching and learning of English grammar in the Philippines explore the areas in grammar which the learners face and struggle with the most. Results of several studies by (Sahagun, 2021; Sioco & De Vera, 2018; Barraquio, 2015), suggest that most student-participants got relatively high scores in parts of speech and nouns, while the area in grammar that they struggle with the most is subject-verb agreement These studies encourage future researchers to seek ways to improve students’ grammatical competence through these aforementioned areas, particularly subject-verb agreement.
There is no doubt that competence in grammar is most applied in writing because in order to produce quality written output, it has to exhibit clarity of thoughts and unambiguity of message, which is usually achieved when an individual is knowledgeable in the conventions of grammar. According to Baleghizadeh and Gordani (2012), accuracy in grammar is necessary in constructing good writing. Therefore, teachers should bear in mind that in order for students to write well, they must have a strong foundation in grammar as well.
There are many efforts to teach writing to students in the usual, traditional classroom. However, due to the pandemic, the traditional practices and assessments which are usually done inside the classroom have become impracticable. This called for a transformation of these practices so that these can be done virtually. This shift is termed as the digitalization of education and has been one of the centers of focus in educational research nowadays (Viberg & Mavroudi, 2018).