Problems in the usage of prepositions in the writings of students. A case study of Ghana Institute of Languages, Kumasi

Abstract

This research project focuses on the difficulties students’ face in identifying and using prepositions and how to remedy the situation. The analysis of this test revealed the mistakes that students make and the various levels of difficulties they encounter in using prepositions in English. The difficulties identified include the identification and use of prepositions in a sentence or phrase in English language. The prepositions come before the object or the object compliment. The cause of these difficulties have been identified to be related to poor teaching methods, the position of the preposition in the sentence, the confusion between the type of preposition that should come before certain nouns and pronouns in a sentence, the influence of the mother tongue (L1) and their second languages. The nature of English grammar, the learning materials and the teaching methods. After analyzing the pretest results, I realised I had to use practical demonstration to teach prepositions that goes with concrete nouns and pronouns and add a dialogue accompanied with illustrations to explain abstract objects and what prepositions can apply. After the intervention, more than 90% of the students answered the post-test correctly. I therefore recommend the use of practical demonstration and dialogue with illustrations to facilitate the understanding of the concept of prepositions.