“Mga Hamong Nararanasan ng Mga Mag-aaral sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay sa Wikang Ingles”

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to identify the challenges experienced by students in writing essays in the English language based on four categories: content, organization, mechanics, and writing strategy. The researchers utilized a descriptive survey design under a quantitative research method, involving 90 students from the College of Teacher Education at the Western Mindanao State University. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through the Kruskal-Wallis Test to determine the differences in challenges experienced based on the students’ first language and socioeconomic status. Findings revealed that students did not experience significant challenges in writing essays in English across all categories. The overall mean scores for content (2.042), organization (2.262), mechanics (2.238), and writing strategy (2.32) indicate that these areas were not considered challenging.by the students. Moreover, the study found no significant difference in challenges based on the students’ first language, but there was a significant difference when grouped according to their socioeconomic status. The results suggest that a student’s socioeconomic background may influence their experience and performance in essay writing. The study recommends the continuous enhancement of English language programs and teaching strategies to further develop students’ writing skills regardless of their socioeconomic status or linguistic background.

Keywords – Essay writing, English language, First language, Socioeconomic status, Writing challenges