Language skills of students: with special reference to Kelaniya educational zone

Abstract

Language is used as a medium of expressing ideas and is also important in building inter personal relationships. Student in the society usually finds barriers and difficulties in using language. This study, likewise, seeks to identify the obstacles in the usage of language. The research area of the study is composed of a girls' collage and boys' collage in Kelaniya educational zone. From each school, a random sample of 25 students was selected. The research used the methodologies of observation and comparative methods and primary and secondary data collection methods. Direct interviews, observation and written materials helped in obtaining primary data. Progress reports and attendance sheets on the other hand supplied available data for the present research. The findings of the research are that the students are not fully capable of organizing the knowledge, they process a poor vocabulary, are weak in grammar and spellings, as well as weak in building an effective flow of information. The study recommends the need of nourishing and practicing the vocabulary of the students under the guidance of teachers to minimize common difficulties in language skills.