Improving students’ writing skills using four square (an action research at first year of smp n 7 surakarta in the academic year 2012/ 2013)

Oleh :
Rika Christine Indriyati - X2209035 - Fak. KIP

The purpose of this research is to know whether Four Square Writing method can improve students’ writing skill and classroom situation. The writer conducted the research from December 2012 to May 2013 in SMP N 7 Surakarta which consists of two cycles. In doing her research, she collected the data by using several techniques. For collecting qualitative data, the writer used questionnaires, conducting interviews, gathering documentary evidence, and systematic observation. Whereas for collecting quantitative data, she used students’ score from several test. To crosscheck her data, she applied Triangulation Method as suggested by Altrichter. Meanwhile, to analyze the qualitative data, she used data reduction, presenting the data, and concluding the data. In addition, she compared the mean score of pre-test, post-test I, and post-test II. The research result showed that Four Square Writing Method could improve students’ writing skills and classroom condition. After applying Four Square Writing Method, students are able to: explore their ideas, organize it in paragraph form, apply correct grammar, choose appropriate vocabularies, and pay attention on how they apply mechanics. As the result, the mean score of post-test II is higher than post-test I and mean score post-test I is higher than pre-test. Students became active to participate in class activities; students became confident in expressing their ideas through writing; and students became active in sharing and collecting ideas. This was the prove of classroom improvement.