Improving the students’ writing capability using picture in SMP Negeri 2 Baron (A Classroom Action Research in SMPN 2 Baron in 2007/2008Academic Year)

Oleh :
M.M.Ikhwan - - Sekolah Pascasarjana

ABSTRACT Improving the Students’ Writing Capability Using Picture in SMP Negeri 2 Baron: A Classroom Action Research in SMP Negeri 2 Baron in 2007/2008Academic Year. Thesis, Surakarta, English Education Department, Graduate Program, Sebelas Maret University, 2009 The objective of the research is to examine whether or not picture can improve the students’ writing capability in descriptive text. Besides that, the research is also designed to study how the picture as a media should be used to improve the students writing capability in descriptive text. The research was carried out at Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Negeri 2 Baron, Nganjuk, East Java, from October 2008 to February 2009 (employing A Collaborative Action Research). The subjects of the research are thirty three students of Class IX SMP Negeri 2 Baron, Nganjuk, consisting of nineteen girl students and thirteen boy students. The data were obtained from several techniques including test, collaborative observation, interview, questionnaires, and document analysis. To analyze quantitative data the researcher applied a descriptive statistics, comprising the following the dimensions: highest and lowest score, and means. To analyze the qualitative data, the researcher applied constant comparative method by Glaser and Strauss. The findings reveal that the program of improving the students’ writing capability using picture is successful viewed from some dimensions. First, pictures can develop the student’s writing capability in descriptive text very effectively, their writing descriptive are better than before, especially in exploring the ideas, using organization, word choice, and vocabulary. In addition, their written of descriptive text are improved in language elements, especially in using grammar, punctuation and spelling. The second, motivation, and interest of the students are higher when joining in every discussion of task in English Class. They are very happy, enthusiastic and more active and creative in making the outline, finishing tasks, and writing draft. Besides that, activities using picture make their relationship improve, especially in developing group-work studying with their friends in teaching learning process. The research findings of this study imply that picture is very important. Therefore, it is recommended that (1) the teacher should be more creative, active and innovative and use some variety of the pictures and get them from the some sources in teaching learning process; (2) English teachers and the school institution facilitate to establish the English Writing Corner or English Wall Magazine with its programs to continue the improvement of the study and express their capability in writing texts occasionally; and (3) the government facilitates to establish the English Writing Contest, which encourage and stimulate the students to express their experiences and knowledge in writing competition which can be held for the students in level regency periodically.