IMPROVING STUDENTS’ PRONUNCIATION USING REPETITION DRILL TECHNIQUE FOR THE STUDENTS OF GRADE XI NATURAL SCIENCE MAN 1 YOGYAKARTA

Abstract

: This action research study aimed to observe and to describe the processes, the changes, and the results of the implementation of the repetition drill technique as well as to improve the students’ pronunciation. The action research model employed Kemmis and McTaggar’s. It consisted of four steps which were planning, action, observation, and reflection. The study was conducted in MAN I Yogyakarta. The research subjects were the students of grade XI Science A in the 2017/2018 academic year. The technique used was repetition drill technique. The research consisted of two cycles with each consisting of two meetings within two-weeks long. This action enquiry study used mixed-method research with both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data were collected through observations, interviews and open-ended questions. The quantitative data were in the form of pronunciation performance scores gained through the pronunciation performance pre-test and post-test. The analysis of the data was done through the mean scores comparison. The result of the research shows that the students indicated improvement in their pronunciation skills, particularly in terms of fluency, pronunciation and intonation, and interactive skills. Besides, the students’ involvement, participation, confidence and scores in pronunciation increased. Most importantly, their pronunciation skills improved. Throughout the teaching and learning process, the students’ behavior shows better output. Students were more active in asking and answering questions, students’ impulsiveness was more controllable and student interaction was much better seen from their involvement in class activities. The attentiveness of the students toward the teaching including their attempts to do work was increasing.

Key Words: pronunciation, repetition drill technique, action research