Challenges in Grammar Learning Among EFL Students: A Case Study of an Indonesian University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46918/seltics.v8i1.2598Keywords:
Grammar learning, EFL students, Qualitative Research, Teaching Strategies, English EducationAbstract
This study investigates the grammar learning difficulties faced by first-semester English Education students at Muhammadiyah University of Enrekang. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and document analysis of 14 students' academic records. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, focusing on identifying recurring patterns in the students' experiences and challenges. The findings reveal three main categories of difficulties: cognitive challenges, instructional shortcomings, and environmental constraints. Cognitive challenges include struggles with understanding fundamental grammar concepts, such as tenses and subject-verb agreement, compounded by difficulties in retaining rules and applying them in practical contexts. Instructional shortcomings emphasize monotonous teaching methods, lack of contextualized practice, and insufficient feedback, which hinder students' progress. Environmental constraints, including limited exposure to English and inadequate social support, exacerbate these challenges. The study highlights the importance of adopting interactive, student-centered teaching methods and integrating grammar instruction into broader language skills. Practical recommendations include the use of innovative strategies such as project-based learning, grammar-focused digital tools, and the creation of English-speaking environments. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of grammar instruction in EFL contexts and improve student outcomes.
References
Al-Mekhlafi, A. M., & Nagaratnam, R. P. (2011). Difficulties in teaching and learning grammar in an EFL context. International Journal of Instruction, 4(2). Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED522 689.pdf
Akbari, Z. (2015). Current challenges in teaching/learning English for EFL learners: The case of junior high school and high school. Iran: Isfahan.
Azar, Betty Schrampfer. Basic English Grammar Second Edition / Betty Schrampfer Azar. 1996.·
Coghill, J., & Magedanz, S. (2003). English grammar. New York: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
He, H. (2013). On FL learners' individual differences in grammar learning and their grammatical competence training. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 3(8), 1369-1374. https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.3.8.1369-1374
I syam, A., & Zainil, Y. (2010). Meningkatkan kemampuan ‘grammar’ mahasiswa jurusan Bahasa Inggris FBS UNP secara lisan dan tulisan. Lingua Didaktika: Jurnal Bahasa dan Pembelajaran Bahasa, 4(1),1-17. https://doi.org/10.24036/ld.v4i1.7389
Megawati, F. (2016). Kesulitan mahasiswa dalam mencapai pembelajaran bahasa Inggris secara efektif. Jurnal Pedagogia, 5(2). Retrieved from https://pedagogia.umsida.ac.id/index.p hp/pedagogia/article/view/1367/1541
Mirazna, M. N., & Hikmah, N. (2019). Students’ perceptions toward grammar in English classroom. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 2(5), 682-686. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v2i5.p 682-686
Muayad, A. (2018). Difficulties in learning grammar: A study into the context of University of Technology, Department of Materials Engineering. University of Technology - Iraq. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publicat ion/329571921
Nawira, N., Anugrawati, N., & Muhsin, M. A. (2019). Analyzing challenges in grammatical knowledge for EFL students: Descriptive quantitative study. Exposure: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris.
Prasetyo, Z. B. (2020). The difficulties in learning grammar for Indonesian students. Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publicat ion/346090069_The Difficulties_in_ Learning_Grammar_for_Indonesian_St udents.
Syafii, V. P. (2021). The effectiveness of Video Scribe Sparkol on students’ grammar ability at 9th grade of MTs Unggulan Al- Qodiri 1 Jember in the academic year 2020/2021 (Undergraduate thesis). Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training. Retrieved from http://digilib.uinkhas.ac.id/id/eprint/52 51
Swan, M. (2007). Grammar, meaning and pragmatics: Sorting out the muddle. TESL-EJ, 11(2). Retrieved from http://www.tesl-ej.org/pdf/ej42/a4.pdf
Waruwu, M. (2023). Pendekatan penelitian pendidikan: Metode penelitian kualitatif, metode penelitian kuantitatif dan metode penelitian kombinasi (Mixed Method). Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.31004/jptam.v7i1.61 87.
Widianingsih, N. K. A., & Gulö, I. (2016, May). Grammatical difficulties encountered by second language learners. In The Fourth International Seminar on English Language and Teaching (ISELT-4) (Vol. 2). Padang, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.4330.3284
