Beyond Accuracy: Challenges in Grammar Micro Skills Among ESL Students and Their Pedagogical Implications

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonse.5638

Keywords:

Effective communication, Grammar proficiency, Language proficiency, Second language

Abstract

An aspect of learning English as a second language is grammar and its application of rules in the use and formation of words in sentences. The study aims to assess students’ key grammar micro skills, as well as the challenges and pedagogical implications in ESL classrooms. Using convergent mixed-methods design, a 30-item test on key grammar aspects and faculty perspectives on students’ grammar micro skills across various colleges and academic levels in a state university in Bulacan were evaluated. A validated interview questions and grammar test were used which included different aspects such as, verb tenses, coordination and subordination, sequencing of words to form sentences, parallelism, identification of sentence fragments and complete sentences and capitalization and punctuation.  Results revealed that appropriate use of punctuation and capitalization, recognition of complete and incomplete sentences, spelling, subject-verb agreement and verb tenses were the key grammar micro skills which students found challenging. Additionally, the College of Engineering and College of Business Administration garnered the highest and second highest mean scores, respectively.  The findings obtained from the study may serve as valuable insights to guide curriculum enhancement, pedagogical strategies, and institutional policies for better and more enriched learning experiences.

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Published

2026-03-01

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How to Cite

Beyond Accuracy: Challenges in Grammar Micro Skills Among ESL Students and Their Pedagogical Implications . (2026). International Journal on Studies in Education, 8(2), 382-395. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonse.5638