Kakayahan sa Gramatika ng Wikang Filipino ng mga Mag-aaral sa Pamantasan ng Kanlurang Mindanao

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the level of grammatical competence in the Filipino language among students at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), particularly in the areas of morphology, syntax, and proper use of words. It also identified the common grammatical errors committed by the student and examined whether there were significant differences in their grammatical competence. The study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive-comparative research design. Forty-five second-year students from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), College of Home Economics (CHE), at College of Engineering (COE), with 15 participants from each college, were selected through purposive sampling. An adopted objective test consisting of 65 items focusing on morphology, syntax, and proper use of words was used for this research instrument. Weighted mean, frequency count, and percentage, and One-Way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data. The results showed that the students demonstrated a very high level of competence in morphology, with mean score of 13.58 or 90.53%, while they demonstrated a high level of competence in syntax, with mean score of 29.24 or 83.54%, and the proper use of words, with mean score of 11.44 or 76.27%. However, specific grammatical errors were identified in each area, particularly in affixation and morphophonemic changes in morphology. Proper sentence arrangement in syntax, and proper use of function words and other words. The One-Way ANOVA also revealed a significant difference in the students’ competence across the three areas of grammar, F(2,42) = 7.875, p = .001. The findings indicate that although the students generally possess a high level of grammatical competence, there are specific skills that still require further practice and development. Therefore. The use of contextualized grammar exercises and interactive instructional materials is recommended, with greater emphasis on the proper use of selection of words in various contexts.

Keywords: grammatical competence, Filipino language, morphology, syntax, proper use of words