THE USE OF DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL

Oleh :
Eling Setiadi - X2208513 - Fak. KIP

ABSTRACT This research is a classroom action research. The objectives of this study are to know whether discussion can improve the students’ speaking skill or not and to know some obstacles probably occurred in the process of teaching speaking through discussion. The problem highlighted in the research is the low of students’ speaking skill at the first grade students of SMK N 1 Kejobong in academic year 2009/2010. This research was carried out in X Computer Engineering and Network class. The procedure of the research consists of planning, action, observation, and reflection. In this study, the writer was the practitioner who implemented the discussion technique in teaching learning process. The data are in form of qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative data are taken from the test conducted before and after the actions are implemented. The qualitative data are taken from the result of observation done by the observer while the actions are being carried out. In this study, the writer found that the problems came from the teacher and the students. The research showed that the teacher was less creative in delivering material. It made students bored in the teaching learning process. He did not involve all students to take role during teaching learning process, so most of them were passive. Besides the teacher, the problems also came from the students. They still got difficulties in using grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It was seen in the process of teaching learning. It seemed that the students lacked of participation and self confidence in speaking class. Having collected the data, the writer analyzes the data. In this study, the writer finds that discussion technique can improve students’ speaking skill. It can be seen on students’ performance during teaching and learning process. Students became more active and all students were involved in teaching learning process. It created a better circumstance. Students were more enthusiastic in joining the lesson, so the class became more alive. Furthermore, there was also improvement in students’ achievement. The mean score in pre-test 4.22 increased to 6.76. Thus, the result of the research shows that discussion technique can improve students’ speaking skill in order to become one of appropriate ways in teaching speaking. Practically, discussion is one of appropriate techniques to improve students’ speaking skill which has a view that students are active learners. It is considered that students learn best when they are personally involved in the teaching experience. Through discussion technique, the students can share ideas, information, or opinion to the other friends. The environment will not be threatening so that the learners are eager to communicate. Teaching speaking through discussion also provides an opportunity to develop accuracy, fluency and keep the learners highly motivated.