Writing Skills of Elementary Pupils in Research
Jose Joemer Tuisa Jr. | Kristopher Ngilangil
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
Despite the global emphasis on foundational literacy, early academic writing—particularly research-based writing—remains underdeveloped in multilingual, under-resourced primary education systems. This study aimed to determine the level of competency in research writing skills among Grade 5 pupils at Surigao City Special Science Elementary School. A quasi-experimental method was employed, using the mean, paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test to analyze the data. Findings revealed that pupils significantly improved their level of competency in writing after using the developed instructional worksheets. It is concluded that these worksheets were effective in increasing learners’ level of competency in writing. Therefore, it is recommended that such instructional worksheets be integrated into the elementary research curriculum, particularly within the Special Science Elementary School (SSES) Program. Furthermore, the study advocates for the adoption of process-oriented instructional methods, the training of teachers in scaffolded writing instruction, and the involvement of parents and counselors in supporting learners’ academic development. These efforts can collectively promote writing fluency, academic self-efficacy, and early research literacy in foundational education.
References:
- Al-Dersi, Z. E. M. (2020). The effectiveness of using differentiated worksheets in improving English writing skills. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 10(4), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1004.03
- Al-Mekhlafi, A. M., & Al-Mekhlafy, S. A. (2020). Worksheets as teaching tools: Investigating EFL teachers’ practices in elementary schools. International Journal of Instruction, 13(2), 515–532. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13235a
- Bautista, M. L. C., & Bernardo, A. B. I. (2021). Writing instruction and teacher beliefs in Philippine elementary schools: A case for pedagogical reform. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 41(2), 158–175. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2020.1829490
- Cabell, S. Q., Tortorelli, L. S., Firestone, A. R., & Gerde, H. K. (2022). Scaffolded writing instruction within project-based learning: Effects on informational writing skills in elementary school. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 59, 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2021.10.004
- Cabell, S. Q., Tortorelli, L. S., Firestone, A. R., & Gerde, H. K. (2022). Scaffolded writing instruction within project-based learning: Effects on informational writing skills in elementary school. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 59, 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2021.10.004
- Chen, Y. C., & Tsai, C. C. (2021). Elementary students’ metacognition in science learning: The role of worksheet-based scaffolding. International Journal of Science Education, 43(1), 95–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2020.1856026
- Coyle, Y., Roca de Larios, J., & Gómez, M. E. (2022). Integrating grammar instruction in writing: Effects on grammatical accuracy and syntactic complexity. Language Teaching Research, 26(1), 82–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168819894299
- Creswell, J. W., & Guetterman, T. C. (2019). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (6th ed.). Pearson.
- Crossley, S. A., Kyle, K., & McNamara, D. S. (2021). Automated writing evaluation and its impact on writing features and feedback. Assessing Writing, 47, 100518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2020.100518
- Flower, L., & Hayes, J. R. (1981). A cognitive process theory of writing. *College Composition and Communication, 32*(4), 365–387. [https://doi.org/10.2307/356600], https://doi.org/10.2307/356600)
- Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2020). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Garcia, O., & Orellana, M. F. (2022). Translanguaging and academic writing: Toward equitable multilingual pedagogies. Language and Education, 36(3), 181–198. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500782.2021.1966592
- Graham, S. (2018). A revised writer(s)-within-community model of writing. Educational Psychologist, 53(4), 258–279. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2018.1481406
- Graham, S. (2020). The sciences of reading and writing must become more fully integrated. Reading Research Quarterly, 55(S1), S35–S44. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.332
- Graham, S., & Harris, K. R. (2019). Evidence-based practices in writing. In S. Graham, C. A. MacArthur, & M. Hebert (Eds.), Handbook of Writing Research (2nd ed., pp. 211–226). The Guilford Press.
- Graham, S., & Harris, K. R. (2019). Evidence-based practices in writing. In S. Graham, C. A. MacArthur, & M. Hebert (Eds.), Handbook of Writing Research (2nd ed., pp. 211–226). Guilford Press.
- Graham, S., & Harris, K. R. (2022). Writing development and instruction: Advancing the integration of research, theory, and practice. Reading and Writing, 35(7), 1591–1615. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-021-10237-4
- Graham, S., & Santangelo, T. (2021). Best practices in teaching writing. In A. E. Farstrup & S. J. Samuels (Eds.), What research has to say about writing instruction (4th ed., pp. 125–157). International Literacy Association.
- Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & Santangelo, T. (2020). A meta-analysis of writing interventions for students in the elementary grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(5), 821–845. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000411
- Graham, S., Harris, K. R., & Santangelo, T. (2020). A meta-analysis of writing interventions for students in the elementary grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(5), 821–845. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000411
- Hall-Mills, S., Bollmer, J. M., & Brogan, E. A. (2022). Organizational and grammatical features that predict writing quality in upper elementary and middle school students. Reading and Writing, 35, 845–870. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-021-10182-2
- Hamdan, A. R., & Ismail, H. (2022). The role of instructional scaffolds in improving primary students’ academic performance: A review of recent evidence. International Journal of Instruction, 15(3), 75–94. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.1535a
- Jacobs, H. L., Zinkgraf, S. A., Wormuth, D. R., Hartfiel, V. F., & Hughey, J. B. (1981). Testing ESL composition: A practical approach. Newbury House.
- Jones, P. M., & Brand, S. T. (2020). Worksheet engagement and cognitive demand: An observational study in primary school classrooms. Education 3–13, 48(6), 641–654. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2019.1633097
- Kim, H., & Park, Y. (2020). Teaching grammar in context and student writing development: A longitudinal study. Language Awareness, 29(1), 41–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658416.2020.1712594
- Llamas, P., Cruz, G., & Delos Reyes, J. (2024). Instructional Materials and Their Influence on Learners’ Academic Writing Performance. Philippine Journal of Educational Research, 30(2), 67-81.
- Limpo, T., & Alves, R. A. (2021). Disentangling the impact of transcription, oral language, and executive functions on writing development: A longitudinal study from Grades 4 to 6. Reading and Writing, 34(6), 1493–1520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-020-10106-7
- Lin, S. S. J., Chen, C. C., & Pan, Y. C. (2020). Examining the impact of peer feedback on elementary students’ writing: The mediating role of engagement. Educational Studies, 46(6), 704–721. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2019.1619323
- Lo, J. C., Lim, T. K., & Teo, A. T. (2020). Graphic organizer-embedded worksheets and elementary students’ writing achievement. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 36(3), 258–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2019.1602173
- McKeown, D., Brindle, M., & Sharp, L. (2021). Teaching argumentative writing to elementary students: An investigation of a scaffolded approach. The Elementary School Journal, 121(3), 434–459. https://doi.org/10.1086/713928
- McNamara, D. S., Crossley, S. A., & Roscoe, R. D. (2022). Automated evaluation of writing: A handbook of computational methods and applications. Routledge.
- Molenda, M. (2015). In search of the elusive ADDIE model. *Performance Improvement, 54*(2), 40–42. [https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.21461](https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.21461)
- Molenda, M. (2015). In search of the elusive ADDIE model. Performance Improvement, 54(2), 40–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.21461
- Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., & Foy, P. (2022). PIRLS 2021 International Results in Reading. TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center. https://pirls2021.org
- Noroozi, O., Hatami, J., Bayat, A., & Moghadam, M. (2021). Enhancing argumentative writing through digital scaffolding: A study of writing processes. Computers and Education, 163, 104118. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104118](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104118)
- Noroozi, O., Hatami, J., Bayat, A., & Moghadam, M. (2021). Enhancing argumentative writing through digital scaffolding: A study of writing processes. Computers & Education, 163, 104118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104118
- Puranik, C. S., & Otaiba, S. A. (2020). The development of writing skills in early childhood: Patterns and predictors. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 50, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2019.01.003
- Puranik, C. S., Petscher, Y., Al Otaiba, S., Catts, H. W., & Lonigan, C. J. (2019). Development of written composition in elementary grades: Examining productivity, complexity, and quality. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(3), 440–455. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000299
- Ramos, M., & Santos, J. (2023). The Role of Instructional Worksheets in Enhancing Writing Proficiency among Elementary Learners. International Journal of Educational Development, 42(3), 112-128.
- Sandilos, L. E., Haring, C. D., & Antaramian, S. (2020). Assessing elementary students’ writing using formative approaches: Challenges and possibilities. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 27(2), 132–150. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2020.1721089
- Schleppegrell, M. J. (2019). Academic language in teaching and learning: Introduction to the special issue. The Elementary School Journal, 119(3), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.1086/701716
- Tarrayo, V. N., & Potestades, J. A. (2021). Developing local worksheets to support academic writing in Philippine public elementary schools. Journal of Asia TEFL, 18(4), 1220–1233. https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2021.18.4.14.1220
- Tarrayo, V. N., Potestades, J. A., & Tugade, M. T. G. (2022). Teachers’ challenges in academic writing instruction in Philippine public elementary schools. Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 31, 44–59. https://doi.org/10.32038/ltrq.2022.31.04
- Troia, G. A., & Olinghouse, N. G. (2021). Instructional practices that predict quality writing: A multi-level meta-analysis. Reading and Writing, 34(2), 341–376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-020-10057-z
- Uccelli, P., & Páez, M. M. (2021). Academic language and writing development in bilingual learners: A longitudinal perspective. Applied Psycholinguistics, 42(4), 849–873. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0142716421000123
- Uccelli, P., Phillips Galloway, E., & Barr, C. D. (2019). Beyond vocabulary: Exploring cross-disciplinary academic-language proficiency and its association with reading comprehension. Reading Research Quarterly, 54(1), 49–70. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.225
- Van der Veen, C., van Kruistum, C., & Michaels, S. (2020). Research-based writing in primary education: A review of methods, challenges, and benefits. Journal of Writing Research, 11(2), 315–343. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2020.11.02.06
- Wu, H. Y., & Wang, Y. H. (2023). The impact of scaffolded worksheets on writing self-efficacy and text quality among elementary learners. Language Teaching Research, 27(2), 157–177. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168821990405
- Wu, H. Y., & Wang, Y. H. (2023). The impact of scaffolded worksheets on writing self-efficacy and text quality among elementary learners. Language Teaching Research, 27(2), 157–177. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168821990405
- Yelland, N. J., & Masters, G. N. (2021). Differentiated tasks and worksheet design in inclusive education. Australian Educational Researcher, 48(1), 67–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-020-00419-7
- Yoon, H., & Park, J. (2023). Evaluating instructional interventions in second language writing: A pre-test/post-test control group design. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(2), 245–253. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1402.06