A STUDY ON ENGLISH LEARNING STYLE IN SECOND
YEAR OF DIGITAL NATIVE STUDENTS AT SMA NEGERI 1
GONDANG WETAN PASURUAN
THESIS
By
ANDIANTI RAMADHANI
201010100311076
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
A STUDY ON ENGLISH LEARNING STYLE IN SECOND
YEAR OF DIGITAL NATIVE STUDENTS AT SMA NEGERI 1
GONDANG WETAN PASURUAN
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
By
ANDIANTI RAMADHANI
201010100311076
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
This thesis written by Andianti Ramadhani was approved on November 6, 2014
Advisor I
Advisor II
This thesis was defended in front of examiners of Faculty of Teacher
Training and Education of University of Muhammadiyah Malang
And accepted as one of requirement to achieve
Sarjana Degree in English Education
On November 6, 2014
Approved by:
Faculty of Teacher Training and Education
University of Muhammadiyah Malang
Examiners: Signature:
1. Rina Wahyu S., S.Pd., M.Ed 1. ………..
2. Drs. Munash fauzie, M.M 2. ………..
3. Drs. Soeparto, M.Pd 3. ………..
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION
The Undersigned:
Name : Andianti Ramadhani
Student ID number : 201010100311076
Program of Study : English Department
Faculty : Faculty of Teacher Training and Educaation
I declare that the work presented in this thesis was carried out by myself and does
not incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a
degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge this thesis does
not contain any materials previously publish or written by another person except
where due reference is made in text.
MOTTO AND DEDICATION
“A good life is when you always thing positive, be a good people for everyone, smile often, and always grateful for everything”
I dedicated this thesis to:
My beloved father and mother
My beloved sisters and brother
A STUDY ON ENGLISH LEARNING STYLE IN SECOND YEAR OF DIGITAL
NARATIVE STUDENTS AT SMA NEGERI 1 GONDANG WETAN PASURUAN
ABSTRACT
The development of technology has influenced the civilization that is
divided into some generation. According to Tapscott (2009:16) there are four
generations from 1964 to present, baby boom generations, generation X, net
generation, and generation next. Digital native can include to the generation next.
Digital native is a person who was born in digital era and through with digital
technologies.
Nowadays, the students are digital native learners, because they always
using internet and always access WWW to answer what they want they want and
what they need to know. This study tries to investigate two research problems; what
are the learning styles used in second year of digital native student at SMA Negeri
1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan and what are the preferable English learning styles in
second year of digital native students at SMA Negeri 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan.
This study design was descriptive because the researcher wanted to describe
he phenomenon of learning styles in second year of digital native student. The
population of this study is the second year of digital native students at SMA Negeri
1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan. The writer use purposive sampling to deermine the
sample from two parallel classes. The instrument to get the data is interview.
The research finds out 4 kinds of learning styles used in second year of
digital native student at SMA Negeri 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan; they are visual,
aural, verbal, and social learning style. The preferable of learning style in second
year of digital native student at SMA Negeri 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan was social
learning style choose by 10 students from interview result.
The Advisor I, The writer,
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The writer says Alhamdulillah and thanks God, the Almighty, Allah SWT,
the Lord of this universe, who gives she opportunity and ability to write this thesis
to fulfill the requirement to achieve Sarjana Degree in English Education at
University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
She would like to express her appreciation and sincere gratitude to
Drs.Soeparto, M.Pd. (Advisor I) and Wahyu Taufiq S.Pd M.Ed. (Advisor II) for
their patience, motivatio, guidance, suggestion, advice and for their comments and
corrections during the completion of this thesis.
Her sincere gratitude and respect are also assigned to her beloved parents
(Eko Wahyu P. And Sriana), her beloved brother (Andika Oktobrianto), her
beloved sisters (Andiani Sekar P. And Hartati Indrasari), her little niece (Tsabitah),
also her big families for their encouragement, love, pray, sacrifice, and support in a
good and a bad time of her life. They always give spirit to her in finishing this
study.
Furthermore, the writer also expresses her gratitude to:
1. All lecturers of English Department of FKIP University of Muhammadiyah
Malang, who transferred much knowledge to her and for their guidance,
instruction and help during her study at the university.
2. Her beloved friends Amanda
3. Gabby F.S, S.Pd and Rizky Nur Wahyuni, S.Pd
4. The members of “BCT Blok 2 no 36 BOARDING HOUSE” who have
given her attention, help, suggestion when she was doing her thesis.
5. Her friends in English Department for the friendship.
May Allah SWT always Bless them all and write their kindness as worships.
Malang, 2 November 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL ... i
LEGALIZATION ... ii
MOTTO AND DEDICATION ... iii
ORIGINALITY DECLARATION ... iv
ABSTRCT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... vi
2.2.3 Verbal Learning Style………... 13
2.2.4 Physical Learning Style……… .. 14
2.2.5 Logical Learning Style……… 14
2.2.6 Social learning Styles……… 15
2.2.7 Solitary Learning Style……….. 16
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHOD Gondang Wetan Pasuruan……… 29
4.2 Discussion ... 30
REFERENCES
Agustina. 2006. The Student Learning Style in Learning Speaking at SMPN 2
Tumpang Malang: Unpublished Thesis
Advanogy. 2014. Overview of Learning Styles. Learning-Styles-online.com http://homeworkstipsabout.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/learningstyles.htm. Accessed on Mei 10, 2014
Ary, Donald. 2006. Introduction to Research in Education, seventh edition. Belmont:Wadswort-Thomson Learning
Brown, Lankard B. 1998. Learning Styles and Vocational Education Practice. Ohio: College of Education, The Ohio State University. http://www.calpro-online.org/eric/docs/pab00007.pdf. Accessed on Mei 15, 2014
Johnson, Ronnie. 2003. Memeletics Learning Styles Inventory. http://www.ronniejohson.info/files/creativeteaching/memeletics- learning-styles-inventory.pdf. Accessed on April 18, 2014
Kurniawati, Tri. 2008. The Students Learning Style in Learning English at SMA
Negeri 1 Kawedanan Magetan. Malang: Unpublished Thesis
Mey Syaro, Rohana. 2012. A Study of Learning Styles Used by Digital Native
Learners at SMPN 2 Sukapura Probolinggo. Malang: Unpublished
Thesis
Neala, Palena. 2006. Conducting In-Dept Interviews: A Guide for Designing and
Conducting In-Dept Interviews for Evaluation Input. Pathfinder
International. http://rsj.econtentmanagement.com/archives/vol/1/issue/1/review/371dept h-interviewing-researching-people. Accessed on November 12, 2014
Prensky, Marc. 2001. Digital Native, Digital Imigrant, Part I and Part II. From on the Horizon: NCB University Press, Vol 9 No 5.
http://www.marcprensky.com//writing/prensky-digital. Accessed on 15 October, 2014
Reid, Gavin. 2005. Learning Styles and Conclusion. London: Paul Chapman Publishing
Robinson, Michael T. 2013. The Generation, What Generation You Are. Career Planner.com. http://careerplanner-whatgenerationyouare.htm. Accessed on Mei 20, 2014
Sawyer, Keith R. 2006. The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Science. New York: Cambridge University Press
1 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents background of the study, statement of problems,
purposes of study, significant of study, scope and limitation, and definition of key
terms.
1.1 Background of Study
The development of science and technology always has turned significantly in
every generation in this world. Each of the generations is influenced by the
technology development at the time and automatically it will influence the
civilization. In this era, digital native is one of modern people who can grow up in
this digital technology, while the digital native is a term for people who born in the
digital era (Prensky, 2010).
In the most general terms, digital natives speak and breathe the language of
computers and the culture of the web into which they were born. Digital natives are
used to receiving information really fast. They like parallel process and multi task.
They rather use technology, internet or social network for their job or study in daily
life. They think that using internet or technology more effective and easier not only
for their job but also for their relationship with other people in the world. With social
network like facebook, twitter, os Myspace they can always feel close with their
2
According to Dr. Larry Rosen (2010) and Dr. Prensky (2001) digital native
has some characteristics such as preferring to connect via text, chat, facebook, online
games, prefer receiving information quickly and simultaneously from multiple
multimedia and other source. Besides, digital native prefer processing and interacting
with pictures, graphics, sounds, and video before text, feels like internet is a real more
pleasurable and tangible, and learning should be fun and knowledge is often acquired
from surfing the web or social networking.
Digital Native should need to learn language to communicate with other
people in the world. Language is not only for communication but also for
introducing, understanding people, and studying about other cultures.
Now, Digital Natives grow up as students. One of languages which they learn
is English. English is important language in this world because of English is a bridge
of language, almost every country in the world uses English for communication.
Teaching and learning English in the classroom leads the students to master four
language skills, which are writing, speaking, reading, and listening. Actually, English
were given to the students when they were in elementary school until university, but
every generation has different learning style, especially for digital natives.
According to Brown (1998) learning style is the way of people come to
understand and remember information. The literature basically indicates that there is
wide acceptance of the concept of learning styles and there is even a study proving
learning styles (Thompson-Schill, Kraemer, Rosenberg, 2009). From the statement
above, it can be seen that learning style has a big impact in learning process.
3
Hall, Ecclestone, 2004). While the learning profession has long recognized the need
for innovative instructional activities that relate to the diverse learning styles of
learners, there are some questions to just how meaningful they are to the learning
environment. That, most researchers agree that we do have various learning styles
and preference. However, the research tends to agree that it is relative unimportant
when designing learning programs. Rather it is more important to match the
presentation with the nature of the subject, such as providing correct learning
methods, strategies, and context rather than matching individual preferences
(Coffield, 2004). For example, in a large meta study, Marzano (1998) found that
graphic and tactile representations of the subject matter had noticeable effects on
learning outcomes regardless of any attempt to match them with learners` modalities
(learning preference or styles). Another study found that visual presentation through
the use of pictures was advantageous for all adult, irrespective of a high or low
learning styles preference for visual images. In addition, it was especially
advantageous for those with a strong preference for verbal processing
(Constantinidou, Baker, 2002).
According to Derekeb (2008), today students want to control how, what, and
when a task should be completed. They use social media and other web based
technologies that are suited to provide ways to engage in a social collaborative, and
active dialogue in the online learning environment with their peers and instructor. In
this way, students can utilize social technologies to share their thought process to
their learning community, they are able to help each other work, modify their
4
There are seven learning styles based on Ronnie Johnson (2003), visual, aural,
verbal, physical, logical, social, and solitary. Visual learning style is best in
visualizing, dreaming, using the mind`s eye and working with color and pictures.
This type of learner likes to draw, build, design and created thing, watch movies and
play with machines. Aural learning style is best in rhythm, melody, and music. This
type is good at picking up sound, remembering melodies, keeping time, sometimes
with singing and playing an instrument. Verbal learning style is best using words,
both of speech and writing. This type is smart in writing, speech and arranging the
words. Physical learning style is best in touching, moving, and interacting with others
and is a good at physical activities. Logical learning style is best in identifying,
categorizing, and reasoning. This type likes to organize, collect, sort and recognize
based on appearance, texture, and sound. Social learning style is best in sharing,
comparing, and relating. This type of learner processes the world outside herself or
himself, comfortable in a group, best in understanding people, good a leading others,
and mediating conflict. Solitary learning style is best in working alone, likes
individualized project, and having their own space. This type of learner is self attuned
and is a good at focusing inward on feelings and dream, also this learner processes
the world inside himself and talk only the necessary.
This research is close to Rohana Mei Syaro (2012) with the title “A Study of
Learning Styles used by Digital Native Learners at SMPN 2 Sukapura, Probolinggo”.
She found four kinds of learning styles, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, individual
learning style, and the style mostly used by the students was kinesthetic. The
5
(2008) with the title “The Students Learning Styles in Learning English at SMAN 1
Kawedanan, Magetan”. She found six kinds of learning styles, visual, auditory,
kinesthetic, tactile, group, and individual learning style. The style mostly use was
auditory learning style. The instrument used in this study was questionnaire. Last
research is Agustina (2006) with the title “The Students Learning Styles in Learning
Speaking at SMPN 2 Tumpang, Malang”. She also found six kinds of learning styles,
visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile, group, and individual learning style. The learning
style mostly used was visual style. The instrument was used in this study was
questionnaire.
Based on that explanation above, studying on student`s learning style
especially learning English is useful. We can see that learning style can improve
student knowledge as long as there is mismatch between teacher and students in
learning and teaching. Accordingly, the writer wants to know about learning styles of
English that are used by Digital Natives students especially on Senior High School
because students at Senior High School seem applied technology, internet, and other
social networking (Qomariyah, 2012; Mei Syaro, 2012; Kurniawati, 2008; Agustina,
2006). Nowdays, student have internet, laptops, cell phones with text messaging,
digital cameras, blog, and any other number of digital technologies that allow them to
instantly capture or communicate with their world. Students use these tools as
extensions of their bodies and minds, fluidly incorporating them into their daily
routines (Prensky, 2005). Therefore, the writer wants to conduct a research with the
title “A Study on English Learning Style in Second Year of Digital Native Students at
6
Wetan Pasuruan because the school already have internet access, and sometimes the
teacher uses email for some assignment to the students and the students using laptop
and internet access in learning process.
This study using descriptive method and the instruments are interview. The
writer doing the interview in SMA Negeri 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan from 10
September 2014 until 11 September 2014, there are 10 students on this analyzed
because the writer wants to get the valid data.
1.2Statement of Problem
Based on the statement of the study stated above, the writer formulates the
research questions as follows:
1. What are the learning styles used in second year of digital native students at SMAN 1
Gondang Wetan Pasuruan?
2. What are the preferable English learning styles in second year of digital native
students at SMAN 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan?
1.3Purpose of Study
Based on the statement of problem above, the purpose of study are:
1. To know the way of English learning style used in second year of digital native
students at SMAN 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan.
2. To find the preferable of English learning style in second year of digital native
students at SMAN 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan.
1.4Significant of Study
After this study has been completed, it is expected to contribute the following
7 1. English teacher
The result of this study will help the English teacher to develop and improve their
teaching technique, that can be accepted by their students, and the teacher can know
how their students learning.
2. The reader
It is expected to the readers or researchers to continue the research with the different
population and sample. It is also can be reference for them to identify their learning
style based on their interest.
1.5Scope and limitation
This research is focused on the learning style of second year of digital native
students at SMA Negeri 1 Gondang Wetan Pasuruan class XI consisting 34 students.
This study limits on the learning style of English subject 2014-2015 academic year
and the preferable learning style.
1.6Definition of Key Term
To get definition of key term used in the study, the following definition is
given:
1. Learning is a process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environment
influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing, or making changes in one`s
knowledge, skill, values, and world views (Illeris, 2000).
2. Learning style is the composite of characteristic cognitive, affective, and
physiological behaviors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how a learner
perceives, interact with, and responds to the learning environment (Benchmark,
8
3. Digital Native is a person who was born during or after the general introduction
of digital technologies and through interacting with digital technology from an
