Factors Affecting English Writing Skills among Grade Four Students in Primary Schools: A Study from Tashicholing Dungkhag, Samtse Dzongkhag
Ten Gyeltshen *
Sherubgatshel MSS, Samtse, Bhutan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research investigates the key factors influencing English writing skills among grade four students in primary schools located in Tashicholing Dungkhag, Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan.
Using a convergent mixed-methods approach under a pragmatic paradigm, the study combines quantitative data from surveys administered to 70 students and 70 parents with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews involving 14 students and 7 English teachers. The findings revealed that while students generally maintain a positive attitude toward learning English, they experience substantial challenges in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction. Parents were found to value English learning, though their involvement is often limited by low literacy levels. Teachers faced diverse instructional challenges including large class sizes, limited resources, and student motivation issues. The study underscored the importance of targeted interventions in grammar instruction, student-centered writing tasks, and professional development for teachers.
Keywords: English writing skills, primary education, Bhutan, fourth grade, parental involvement, teacher challenges, mixed methods