Investigating the problem of punctuations and capitalisation in the writings of basic school students, the case of Nangalikinia Junior High School

Abstract

This study investigated the problem of punctuation and capitalization among students of Nangalikinia Junior High school. The purpose of the study is to find out some of the errors basic school students commit when punctuating their writing. It is also to find out some of the causes of the punctuation problems among students and how to address them. This was done through pen and paper survey and through interview. The sample size used includes thirty (30) J.H.S students and five English teachers from Kasena Nankana West (A) Circuit. The study confirmed that students at the basic school commit various punctuation problems. Some of them do not punctuate their writings at all. Others punctuate where they ought not to punctuate while others use one form of punctuation mark for another or use a small letter in place of a capital letter. It was discovered that these problems exist because there is limited time allocation for teaching punctuation. Teachers do not use appropriate teaching strategies to teach the concept and students are not also encouraged to study it. Therefore, this study revealed that there is the need for enough time allocation in the syllabus for teaching punctuation and capitalisation. Teachers need to adopt modern teaching strategies for teaching the concept. Students should also be encouraged to study the concept. The study has contributed to the existing literature on the problem of punctuation and capitalisation.