Improving students’ english speaking skill through role-play (a classroom action research in the seventh grade of “RSBI” class students of SMP Negeri 1 Magetan in 2008/2009 academic year)

Oleh :
Sumarmi - S890208125 - Sekolah Pascasarjana

ABSTRACT The objective of the research is to know whether or not role-play technique can improve the students’ English speaking skill. The research is also intended to know wether or not role-play technique can improve the students’ motivation in learning-teaching activity. The research was conducted in SMP Negeri 1 Magetan from February to July, 2009. The subjects of the research are the seventh grade of “RSBI” class students in the 2008/2009 Academic Year, which consist of 30 students consisting of 14 male and 16 female students. The data were derived from several techniques including test, observation, interview, students’ self-assessment, questionnaires, and field notes. To analyse the quantitative data, the researcher applied a descriptive statistics, comprising the highest and lowest scores and means. To analyse the qualitative data, the researcher applied constant comparative method as suggested by Glaser and Strauss. The research findings show that role-play technique can improve the students’ motivation in learning-teaching activity. Besides, it can also improve the students’ achievement in speaking aspects, such as pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Somehow, there is a weakness of applying role-play technique i.e. the choice of the topic influences the students’ interest. Some suggestions are made based on the research findings: First, the teachers should apply techniques which are able to make students to practice their speaking in meaningful context, such as role-play technique. Second, the students should practice their speaking through Role-Play so that their bravery and competence will gradually increase. Besides, they should eliminate their fear to make mistakes due to the fact that making mistakes is a part of learning process, and it is normal and natural for everyone to make mistakes in their learning. And third, the other researchers who are interested in conducting similar research can use the finding of this research as a starting point.