The Effect of Spell-Checker Features on Spelling Competence among EFL Learners: An Empirical Study

Authors

  • Hewa Fouad Ali English Language Teaching Department, Faculty of Education, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
  • Lisa Jamal Nakshbandi Independent Researcher, Erbil, Iraq
  • Fatima Saadi 4English Language Teaching Department, Faculty of Education, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
  • Sami Hussein Hakeem Barzani English Language Teaching Department, Faculty of Education, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v9i3p101

Keywords:

Writing Skill, Spelling, Technology, EFL Learners

Abstract

 Writing is an essential skill in any languages. There are several sub-skills involved in writing, the most important one is spelling. Spelling is regarded as one of the most challenging aspects of writing as it requires learners to acquire a range of detailed knowledge including writing system, orthography, and punctuation. With the wide spread of technology use in almost all aspects of our lives, learning and teaching processes are not exceptional from this storm that ultimately affects the way language learning and teaching are maintained. In this line, the current study intended to examine the effects of using technological tools that are featured with auto-spell checker on the spelling abilities of learners. To do so, a quasi-experimental method was carried out to address the issue under investigation. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism. The findings exhibited the influence of such technological tools on spelling competence of the learners in which those who heavily depend on such technological tools face more challenges pertaining spelling in their writing tasks.

References

Abugohar, M. A., & Yunus, K. (2018). Difficulties encountered by Arab students in pronouncing English correctly. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(4), 93-100.

Al-Jarf, R. (2010). Spelling error corpora in EFL. Sino-US English Teaching, 7(1), 6-15.

Alqahtani, M. (2015). The importance of vocabulary in language learning and how to be taught. International Journal of Teaching and Education, 3(3), 21-34.

Arndt, E. J. (2010). Factors affecting the development of second grade spelling at the teacher, student, and word level. The Florida State University.

Bancha, W. (2013). What causes spelling errors of Thai EFL students. ARECLS, 10(5), 107-129.

Berman, M. (2020, September 21). Effects of technology on academic writing. Programming Insider. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://programminginsider.com/effects-of-technology-on-academic-writing/

Hládek, D., Staš, J., & Pleva, M. (2020). Survey of automatic spelling correction. Electronics, 9(10), 1670.

Lin, P. H., Liu, T. C., & Paas, F. (2017). Effects of spell checkers on English as a second language students’ incidental spelling learning: a cognitive load perspective. Reading and Writing, 30(7), 1501-1525.

Okyere, B. A., Heron, T. E., & Goddard, Y. (1997). Effects of self-correction on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of the written spelling of elementary school children. Journal of Education, 7(1), 51-69.

Oakley, G. (2016). A closer look at spelling in the primary classroom/Grace.

Stephanie, 3, M. of, & Southerland, A. (2018, July 24). 5 stages of spelling development. Happily, Homegrown. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://happilyhomegrown.com/5-stages-of-spelling-development/#:~:text=There%20are%20actually%20five%20stages,Spelling%2C%20and%20Derivational%20Constancy%20Spelling.

Stirling, J. (2011). Teaching spelling to English language learners. Retrieved from www.lulu.com.

Tavarez Da Costa, P., & Reyes Arias, F. (2021). A case study on the use of speling as a determining factor in teaching English grammar in Dominican schools. Online Submission.

Templeton, S. (1991). Teaching and learning the English spelling system: Reconceptualizing method and purpose. The Elementary School Journal, 92(2), 185-201.

Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). Types of designs. Retrieved May 13, 2010 from https://socialresearchmethods.net/kb/destypes.php

Van Staden, A. (2010). Improving the spelling ability of grade 3 learners through visual imaging teaching strategies. Per Linguam: A Journal of Language Learning= Per Linguam: Tydskrif Vir Taalaanleer, 26(1), 13-28.

Westwood, P. (2014). Teaching spelling: Exploring commonsense strategies and best practices. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis.

Westwood, P. S. (2005). Spelling: Approaches to teaching and assessment 2nd Edition ACER Press Camberwell. Victoria Australia.

Downloads

Published

09.09.2024

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ali, H. F., Nakshbandi, L. J., Saadi, F., & Barzani, S. H. H. (2024). The Effect of Spell-Checker Features on Spelling Competence among EFL Learners: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 9(3), 101-111. https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v9i3p101

Similar Articles

1-10 of 262

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.