Using DEMATEL to Determine the Most Influential Factors Affecting Students' Weaknesses in Parts of Speech

Abstract

Language learners need to have a solid understanding of parts of speech to write and speak well. The study examines the factors behind the poor understanding using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The researchers used five factors from the existing literature, including mother tongue interference, limited reading habits, insufficient grammar instruction, poor vocabulary knowledge, low motivation and learners’ attitudes.  Five language teaching experts examined the relationships among the factors using structured questionnaires. The DEMATEL method was used to determine the causes and effects of the problem. The findings show that the mother tongue interference and the limited reading exposure contribute to students’ poor understanding of parts of speech. The results offer practical guidance for teachers and policymakers seeking to address grammar weaknesses more effectively. More importantly, the study suggests how decision-making approaches can offer new guidance to constant challenges in language teaching and learning.