INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The essential language sub-skill which is vital in learning any particular language is spelling. The understanding acquired and the competence in the rudiment of spelling is essential for excelling in the learning of English Language. However, many students seem to be deficient in spelling as a sub-skill of English Language since most of their write ups are contained with spelling errors.
Good spelling skills are essential skills of writing that require mastery by all learners and users of English language so as to effectively write and communicate the language. Therefore, a good writer must make good observation of his/her spelling in order to avoid communication error or communication breakdown. Spelling is the correct arrangement of letters to represent a word. It relates to the knowledge of the orthography which is the system of symbols and rules used to represent spoken language in the writing of a particular language. According to Asudo and Marsh (1998), English is a language with many rules, oddities and exceptions in its spelling. Many English words are not pronounced the way they are spelt and this has constituted a huge problem to learners of the language. Also, certain words sound alike in English language and this can lead to error while learners are writing them. Examples of such words are Seize/cease, scene/sin, right/write, suit/sooth among others. Spelling is a complex cognitive activity in which several mental processes are involved. Learning to spell correctly is not usually easy for many people but it is very important for all those who are learning the language. The study seeks to appraise the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The rate of poor performance in English language has been attributed to spelling mistakes among students. The large mistake found in many written speeches are also attributed to spelling mistakes. The understanding acquired and the competence in the rudiment of spelling is essential for excelling in the learning of English Language. The problem confronting the study is to appraise the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students. The specific objectives include:
i. To determine the level of spelling mistakes among secondary school students.
ii. To understand the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary students.
iii. To examine the effects of spelling mistakes among secondary students.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i. What is the level of spelling mistakes among secondary school students?
ii. What are the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary students?
iii. What are the effects of spelling mistakes among secondary students?
1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There is no significant factor responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study investigates the factors responsible for spelling mistakes among secondary school students. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
SPELLING DEFINED
Spelling is the correct arrangement of letters to represent a word. It relates to the knowledge of the orthography which is the system of symbols and rules used to represent spoken language in the writing of a particular language.
EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISION DEFINED
Educational Supervision consist of all effort involving school officials directed at t providing leadership to educational workers or teachers to enhance an improved educational system and institution. The process involves the deployment of human and material resources.
EDUCATION DEFINED
