A Study of English Writing Problems of Students at Aung Nan Taw Buddhism Academy in Yangon of Myanmar

บทคัดย่อ

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the English writing problems of students at Aung Nan Taw Buddhism Academy in Yangon of Myanmar. 2) to find out the solutions of English writing problems of students at Aung Nan Taw Buddhism Academy in Yangon of Myanmar. The number of respondents consisted of 50 students. The instrument used in this research is both qualitative and quantitative method. The tools used for collecting data were questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and participant observation with students and then the information was analyzed by using frequency and percentage.

This study explores the writing confidence and challenges faced by English language learners at a religious and secular learning institution. Demographic data revealed that most participants were male (88.0%) and aged 20–25, with a mix of laypeople (52.0%), monks (40.0%), and novices (8.0%). The findings indicate varied levels of writing confidence, with only 20.0% strongly confident in their writing skills and 48.0% engaging in writing outside the classroom. Students faced difficulties in grammar (40.0%), vocabulary (30.0%), sentence structure (40.0%), and spelling (52.0%). Organizational skills such as idea development, paragraph structure, and the use of linking words also posted significant challenges.

Furthermore, understanding writing types and formats, and using appropriate formal or informal language, revealed mixed responses. Only 46.0% received useful feedback regularly. Interviews with teachers highlighted core issues such as grammar weaknesses, limited vocabulary, and low confidence. Teachers addressed these through integrated instruction, peer collaboration, and formative assessments. The study underscores the need for comprehensive support to enhance students’ writing abilities through a balanced approach to language instruction and feedback.