Improving the students’ ability in understanding text using small group discussion (a classroom action research at Third Grade Students of SMA Negeri 2 Pare Kediri 2008 – 2009 Academic Year)”

Wahid, Abdul

ABSTRAK The objective of this research is to improve the students’ ability in understanding text using small group discussion. The problem revealed in this research is the low reading ability of the third year of SMA Negeri 2 Pare Kediri in academic year 2008/2009. The research was carried out at class 3 IPA-1 because it got the worst score of English test among five other classes. The procedures of the research consist of planning, action, observation, and reflection. In collecting the data the researcher used questionnaire, interview, observation, field note, and test. To analyze the qualitative data the researcher analyzed the improvement of the teaching learning process by describing the result of questionnaire, interview, and observation using Constant Comparative Method. To analyze the quantitative data the researcher applied a descriptive statistics. It was used to compare the score and means of pre-test and post-test. The pre-test was conducted in the pre research and post-test was conducted at the end of cycle 1 and the end of cycle 2. The result of the test was used to know how well students understand the reading test. The result of the research reveals that performing small group discussion can solve their problem in understanding text. Based on the observation, interview, the result of tests, supported with the researcher’s field note, it can be seen: (1) small group discussion can improve the student’s ability in understanding texts. The improvement of the students’ ability in understanding texts can be found by comparing the average score of pre-test and post test in cycle 1 and 2. The average score of pre-test is 66.42, post-test 1 is 68.75, and post test 2 is 74.20. (2) the strengths when the small group discussion is applied in teaching reading are: (a) small group discussion makes the students active; (b) small group discussion makes the classroom enjoyable and interesting; and (c) small group discussion gives the students an opportunity to participate in discussing reading text. (3) the weaknesses when small group discussion is applied in teaching reading are: (a) the students discussed in small group discussion using native language; (b) it requires more preparatory work before implementing small group discussion; and (c) it requires a lot of time for preparing small group discussion. To apply the small group discussion effectively to improve the students’ reading ability, the researcher: (1) explains the purpose of the teaching reading using small group discussion more clearly; (2) divides the students into some smalls group discussion. (3) composes the members of group from high, average and low level students; and (4) conducts the discussion in small group discussion with good atmosphere; and (5) monitors the process of discussion seriously.

Abstrak

Improving the students’ ability in understanding text using small group discussion (a classroom action research at Third Grade Students of SMA Negeri 2 Pare Kediri 2008 – 2009 Academic Year)”