Writing Journal to Improve Past Tense Usage in English (As a Second Language)

Abstract

This action research came to light with the primary focus to improve, particularly, the usage of past tense among grade X students of Gelephu Middle Secondary School, Bhutan. The focus was on finding out the usefulness of JW (journal writing) on understanding and learning of PT (past tense) in English Language. PT usage in both modes of communication (verbal and written) in English is crucial, and its incompetency has always been a hindrance. In total, samples of 19 students were studied from the same grade in a pre-test, followed by intervention measures, and juxtaposition with post-test samples after intervention. Intervention measures period lasted for six weeks; JW and weekly classes of 20 minutes on usage of PT (simple past, past progressive, past perfect, and past perfect progressive). The difference between the writings conducted before the intervention measures and after it, was standing; learners’ performance was better than expected (the usage of all types of PT improved). Along with improvement errors in usage of other constituents of PT surfaced; spelling and subject - verb agreement. Keywords: Journal writing, past tense, simple past, past progressive, past perfect, past perfect progressive, expression. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-24-08 Publication date: August 31 st 2022