Efforts to Improve the Writing Skill of Grade VII Students of SMPN 2 Muntilan by Using Cue Cards

Muvida Aulia Rahman,

Abstract


This study aimed to improve the writing skills of grade VII D students of SMPN 2 Muntilan through the use of cue cards. The actions were implemented based on the curriculum, in line with the course grid and lesson plans developed before the implementation of the action. This was an action research study which consisted of two cycles. It followed the action research steps including reconnaissance, planning, action, observation, and reflection. The researcher worked collaboratively with the English teacher, the students, and the collaborator. There were two kinds of data presented in this research, namely qualitative and quantitative. The data were collected through the observation during the teaching and learning activities; interviews with the English teachers and the students of Grade VII D; a pre-test, a progress test, and a post-test; discussions with the English teacher; and questionnaires distributed to the students. The data were in the form of field notes, observation checklists, interview transcripts, student scores, questionnaire results, and photographs. The validity of the data was obtained by applying democratic validity, outcome validity, process validity, catalytic validity, dialogic validity, and content validity. To check the trustworthiness of the data, the researcher applied the time triangulation, space triangulation, researcher triangulation, theoretical triangulation, and inter-rater reliability. The qualitative data were analyzed by assembling the data, coding the data, comparing the data, building meanings and interpretations, and reporting the outcomes. The quantitative data were analyzed by comparing the students' average score in the pre-test, the progress test, and the post-test. The results of the study showed that the students' writing skills increased after the implementation of the cue cards. It helped the students to generate their ideas and improve their vocabulary mastery. The cue cards made it easier for them to connect between objects and language. The students' motivation in writing also enhanced in the teaching and learning process as they were more active in the class participation. The other finding of the use of cue cards was that the students wrote the singular and plural nouns and verbs more accurately. These findings were also supported by an increase in the average score of the students by 14.34, from 66.37 in the pre-test to 80.71 in the post-test.

 

Keywords: cue cards, media, students’ writing skills, teaching writing

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References


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