Improving Students’ Speaking Competence By Using Cooperative Learning (An Action Research At The Second Grade Students Of Smpn I Karangdowo, In The Academic Year Of 2012/2013)

Oleh :
Irfan Nugroho - X2209023 - Fak. KIP

The present research is aimed at: (1) investigating whether or not cooperative learning is able to improve the students’ speaking competence; and (2) describing the application of cooperative learning principles in effort to improve students’ speaking competence. Categorized as a classroom action research, the present research was undertaken at Class VIIIC of SMPN 1 Karangdowo, Klaten starting from January until March 2013. Two kinds of data were used in the present research. The qualitative data were used to get non-academic insights relating to the present research. These data were compiled from questionnaire, interviews, and observation. The second type of data used in the present research was the quantitative data, which took the forms of academic data compiled through holding a series of test comprising pretest, cycle I post-test, and cycle II post-test. The present research unveils some findings. Amongst them is that the use of cooperative learning could improve the students’ speaking competence. The mean score of the pre-test results is counted at 33; while the mean score of cycle I posttest is counted at 78; and the mean score of cycle II post-test is at 88. Improvement also takes place in four indicators of speaking competence being investigated in the present research; grammar competence, discourse competence, sociolinguistic competence, and strategic competence. Another finding of the present research also reveals that the right application of cooperative learning principles in the present research greatly influences the improvement of the students’ speaking competence. Cooperative learning has some distinctive principles that support the efforts to improve students’ speaking competence. Certain class structures are best used to teach grammar competence, discourse competence, strategic competence, or sociolinguistic competence. Cooperative learning is best for the students to practice the language knowledge in mind through simulated and meaningful activities that requires the use of grammar, discourse, strategic, and sociolinguistic competences.