Writing skills of senior high school students in composition writing- a study of Our Lady of Lourdes Girls SHS in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality

Abstract

Effective writing skills are vital for students as they progress in their education and prepare for future academic and professional pursuits, especially in senior high schools (SHS). However, the assessment of composition writing skills among SHS students is a global concern, particularly in Ghana. This study focuses on addressing the decline in writing proficiency among SHS students at Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Senior High School in the Upper East Region, Ghana. The research objectives are to evaluate poor writing skills exhibited by SHS students, investigate the factors impeding their writing abilities, and suggest strategies to enhance their writing skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathers data from 274 SHS students and 6 English language teachers through written assessments, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings reveal deficiencies in various aspects of students’ writing, such as clarity, organization, grammar, vocabulary, evidence support, cohesion, mechanics, and creativity. Factors hindering writing skills include limited vocabulary and language skills, lack of reading habits, difficulties with essay structure, and inadequate critical thinking abilities. The study concludes that significant deficiencies exist in various aspects of students writing, such as clarity, organization, grammar, vocabulary, evidence support, cohesion, mechanics, and creativity. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends organizing regular writing workshops, specialized language classes, and incorporating short writing tasks into daily lessons to improve students’ writing abilities. Continuous professional development for teachers is crucial to equip them with effective instructional methods. Implications for practice involve enhancing academic success and communication abilities among students, elevating overall learning outcomes, and enriching the educational experience. Implementing the study’s recommendations will contribute to improving writing proficiency and fostering academic excellence among SHS students in Ghana.