APPLICATION OF GROUP DISCUSSION METHOD TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' SPEAKING ABILITY

Abstract

This research is motivated by the low speaking ability of students in Indonesian language learning, which is indicated by the lack of courage in expressing opinions, low activeness during discussions, and speaking ability that does not meet the learning indicators. This condition is caused by learning that is still centered on the teacher so that students have limited opportunities to practice speaking. This research aims to improve students' speaking ability through the application of group discussion methods. The research uses a Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach which is implemented in two cycles, where each cycle includes the planning stage, action implementation, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 32 eighth grade junior high school students. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, speaking practice tests, interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative descriptive techniques. The results of the study indicate that the application of the group discussion method is able to improve students' speaking ability. This is seen from the increase in students' average score from 67.5 in the pre-cycle to 75.8 in the first cycle and increasing to 84.6 in the second cycle. The percentage of learning completion also increased from 43.75% to 81.25%.