Diagnostic Assessment on the Linguistic Competence of College Freshmen: A Basis for Developing Grammar Enhancement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67167/vertex.689Keywords:
Cagayan State University, linguistic competence, diagnostic assessment, grammar enhancement, college freshmen, descriptive-correlational researchAbstract
The study assessed the linguistic competence of college freshmen at Cagayan State University, Sanchez Mira Campus, and identified their difficulties across key areas of English grammar as a basis for developing grammar enhancement materials. Using a descriptive-correlational design, a researcher-made and validated diagnostic test was administered to 289 freshmen students drawn from the campus's five board programs, most of whom were female graduates of public high schools. Linguistic competence was described in terms of students' passing rate against the institution's standard threshold of 75%. Results showed that students passed only in verb identification and usage (75.5%), performed at a Fair level across most other areas, and were weakest in adjectives, which registered a passing rate of 42.49%. Course, sex, high school track, and high school English grade were significantly related to students' linguistic competence, while type of high school was not. These findings pointed to the need for remediation in adjective use and general improvement across grammar areas, leading to the development of Bridging Grammar Gaps: A Diagnostic-Based Enhancement Material.
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