Optimizing students’ journal to enhance students’ motivation in learning english (a classroom action research at the eighth grade of smpn 14 surakarta in the academic year 2013 / 2014)

Oleh :
Andita Destiana Winahyu - K2209006 - Sekolah Pascasarjana

ABSTRACT Andita Destiana Winahyu. K2209006. OPTIMIZING STUDENTS‟ JOURNAL TO ENHANCE STUDENTS‟ MOTIVATION IN LEARNING ENGLISH (A Classroom Action Research at the Eighth Grade of SMPN 14 Surakarta in the Academic Year 2013/2014). A Thesis. Surakarta. Teacher Training and Education Faculty. Sebelas Maret University. 2013. This thesis is written to investigate: to what extent students‟ journal becomes an appropriate way to enhance the students‟ motivation in learning English and the situation on the implementation of students‟ journal in the classroom. In this research, the writer conducted action research which requires four steps, namely: planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. The research was conducted in two cycles from July 19th until September 5th, 2013 at the eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 14 Surakarta. There are two kinds of data collected in this research: qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data were collected using observation, questionnaire and interview, while the quantitative data were collected using tests (pre-test and post-test). Then the qualitative data were analyzed by assembling, coding, comparing the data, building interpretation, and reporting the outcomes. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research findings show three important points. First, based on the indicators of motivation, it can be shown that the number of students categorized to positive task orientation and ego involvement improve up to 97.36%, need for achievement improves up to 92.10%, high aspiration improves up to 94.73%, and perseverance and tolerance of ambiguity improve up to 84.21%. Second, the result of the students‟ achievement shows that the mean score of individual test in pre test is 65.13, which improves to 72.81, which again increases to 78.38. It indicates that students‟ achievement in English lesson is successful because they have positive self image to promote their work cooperatively in order to improve their score in English and be the best in the class. Third, the implementation of students‟ journal in the classroom shows the progress of class situation. The students become more active and enthusiastic during the lesson: (1) most students pay attention to the teacher‟s explanation and they do not do other activities. The class situation is conducive because they are rare to make noise during learning process; (2) group discussion is a means to create good interaction among students and they can share their idea dealing with the task. So, they get involved in English lesson actively; (3) by giving stars as the reward to students who active in answering questions, and they do not feel ashamed again. Therefore, it is also recommended to use students‟ journal in English class. Since it improves students‟ motivation in learning English and makes teaching learning process enjoyable. Key words: students‟ motivation, students‟ journal, classroom action research.