Cognitive Load Theory for ESL Students: Mixed Method to Employ Difficulty in Using Tenses While Writing

The present study aimed to determine learners’ problems in using English tenses. By utilizing the pre-test to have students compose their own paragraphs in 12 different tenses and through LearningApps.org, the researcher distributed the post-test self-created questions. The research employed a mixed research method, and the findings were presented. This study focused on 96 Bachelor of Technology students also learning English as a second language. The results show that past perfect tense, future perfect tense and simple past tenses are the most commonly problematic writing skills by the learners. These issues are linked to the difficulties of employing the appropriate aspect and tense in the appropriate context, interference from second languages, a lack of repetition in practice, and student’s level of language proficiency. In addition, it is recommended that teachers employ various methods that are appropriate to teaching tenses to help students develop their writing abilities.