ABSTRAK
This research aims to (1) analyze to what extent NHT technique can improve
students’ skill to write descriptive texts; (2) describe to what extent NHT technique
can improve classroom effectiveness.
This action research study was carried out at SMP Negeri 16 Surakarta for 24
students of class VIII C. It was conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of:
planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The qualitative data were collected
through observation, interview, questionnaire, and diary; whereas the quantitative
data were collected by conducting test.
The result of this research shows that (1) the implementation of NHT could
improve students’ skill to write descriptive texts. The improvement of students’
achievement in writing descriptive text was viewed from the improvement of
students’ mean score.  The mean score of writing test increased from 58.41 in the
pre-test, 68.58 in test 1, and 74.91 in the post-test. (2) The implementation of NHT
could improve classroom effectiveness. The improvement of classroom effectiveness
included: a) students were more motivated in learning English; b) students paid full
attention to the teacher; c) students were more interested and eager joining the
lesson; d) students focus on the lesson and discussion; and e) students were more
active in discussion and participate to the lesson.  
NHT technique is an alternative teaching technique that benefits both for
students’ achievement and for the classroom effectiveness. As the suggestion, the
teacher should consider NHT technique as an interesting and appropriate technique
to teach language. Based on such findings as presented above, it is also hoped that
NHT technique can be implemented in teaching other English skill.

Keywords: writing skill, descriptive text, Numbered Heads Together technique,
classroom action research