An analysis of writing errors made by fourth-grade primary school students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the writing errors of fourth-grade primary school students and to provide suggestions for their correction. The study was conducted using a case study design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The study group was determined using the purposive sampling method, specifically the appropriate sampling technique, and consisted of 20 fourth-grade students attending public schools. During the data collection process, students were presented with five different topics by the researcher and were asked to select one to write a narrative text. The written texts were evaluated using the “Writing Error Identification Form” and the “Writing Skills Observation Form.” The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed that students made various errors in their writing skills. These errors included pencil grip, writing in accordance with the line, omitting or adding letters, mixing up letters, leaving appropriate spaces between words and letters, using punctuation marks correctly, posture while writing, writing speed, and letter size. In particular, it was observed that errors related to the use of capital letters and punctuation marks, as well as letter omission and letter mixing, were common.