Informasi Dokumen
- Penulis:
- Sovenda Septa Hastoyo
 
 - Sekolah: Sebelas Maret University
 - Mata Pelajaran: English Education
 - Topik: Improving Students’ Speaking Competence Through Small Group Discussion
 - Tipe: thesis
 - Tahun: 2010
 - Kota: Surakarta
 
Ringkasan Dokumen
I. Introduction
The introduction outlines the significance of speaking in language learning, particularly in English as a foreign language. It emphasizes the global importance of English and the necessity for students to develop oral communication skills. The author highlights the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical speaking ability among students, which is often evidenced by their reluctance or inability to engage in spontaneous oral communication. The introduction sets the stage for the research by identifying the challenges faced by students in developing their speaking competence, particularly in real-life contexts.
II. Literature Review
This section reviews existing literature on language teaching methodologies, specifically focusing on communicative competence and its relevance to speaking skills. It discusses the evolution of language teaching methods, moving from traditional approaches to more communicative frameworks that prioritize real-world language use. The literature emphasizes the importance of speaking competence in language acquisition and the need for effective teaching strategies that promote oral communication skills. The review also includes a discussion of small-group discussions as a pedagogical technique that can enhance speaking competence by providing a supportive environment for practice.
III. Methodology
The methodology section details the action research approach employed in the study. It describes the participant group, which consists of fifth-grade students at MI Al Islam Grobagan Surakarta, and outlines the implementation of small-group discussions as the primary intervention. The section explains the procedures for conducting discussions, including grouping students, setting discussion topics, and facilitating interactions. It also addresses the data collection methods used to assess improvements in students' speaking competence, such as pre- and post-tests, observations, and student feedback.
IV. Findings and Discussion
This section presents the findings from the action research, highlighting the improvements observed in students' speaking competence following the implementation of small-group discussions. It discusses various indicators of success, such as increased participation, better pronunciation, and enhanced confidence among students. The findings suggest that small-group discussions create a less intimidating environment for students, allowing them to practice speaking more freely. The discussion also addresses challenges encountered during the implementation, such as varying levels of student engagement and the need for effective group management.
V. Conclusion and Recommendations
The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the research, reiterating the effectiveness of small-group discussions in improving students' speaking competence. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a communicative classroom environment where students feel safe to practice their speaking skills. The section also offers recommendations for teachers, suggesting that they incorporate small-group discussions regularly in their teaching practices to enhance student engagement and language proficiency. Additionally, it calls for further research to explore other techniques that could complement small-group discussions in promoting speaking competence.
Referensi Dokumen
- Learning in Small Groups ( Ur )
 - Effective Questioning Techniques ( Lee Haugen )
 - Discussion as a Learning Tool ( Hoover )