IMPROVING SPEAKING SKILLS THROUGH COOPERATIVE
LEARNING FOR THE TENTH GRADE STUDENTS
OF THE TOURISM PROGRAM AT SMKN 7 YOGYAKARTA
IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2011/2012
The objective of this action research study was to improve the speaking
skills of the tenth grade students of the UJP (Unit Jasa Pariwisata) class at SMKN
7 Yogyakarta in the academic year of 2011/2012 through the use of cooperative
learning.
This action research was conducted in two cycles involving cooperative
learning methods such as two stray two stay, think-pair-share, numbered heads
together, and inside outside circle as the main activities. Conducting role play,
giving feedback, brushing up the materials, asking the students to bring a
dictionary, giving a handout and reward were the complement of the main
activities. The data were obtained by observing the teaching and learning process,
interviewing the students and collaborators, holding discussions with the
collaborators, giving questionnaires to the students, taking pictures, and recording
the teaching and learning process. The instruments used in this research were
observation guidelines, interview guidelines, and questionnaires. Data reduction,
data display, and conclusion drawing and verification were used to analyze the
data.
The research results show that the students’ speaking skills improved
through the use of cooperative learning. The students made a good improvement
in some aspects of speaking skills such as pronunciation, fluency, and interactive
communication. They were more confident to speak English. They had more
chances to speak up. They easily learnt the materials with a group. They actively
participated during the teaching and learning process. They were more aware of
the mistakes or errors made as they always gave feedback to others’ performance.
The various activities made the class atmosphere enjoyable. The students’
motivation to bring a manual and electronic dictionary helped them learn the
materials. The group work activities applied improved the students’ understanding
towards the materials and the teacher’s classroom management
