The Use of Diary in Improving VIII5 Class Students in SMP N 3 Banjar in Writing Recount Text

Abstract

This study aimed at improving the student's writing ability of eight grade students at SMP N 3 Banjar in writing recount text using a diary. This study was a classroom-based action research in which the study was conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of three sections: two were used to give treatments, and one was used to conduct a post-test. Each cycle consisted of four steps: planning, action, observation, and reflection. In this study, there were two kinds of data gathered; qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative data were the numerical data gained from the result of pre-test 1, post-test 1, and post-test 2. The results were represented by the score gained by the students on each test. Meanwhile, the qualitative data were from the researcher's diary and the questionnaires. The students' mean score in the pre-test was 59,37, the students' mean score in post-test 1 was 69,80, and the mean score in post-test 2 was 78,90. Moreover, the questionnaires also showed that using a diary could improve the student's motivation, interest, and participation during the teaching and learning process. Regarding the data obtained in this study, it could be concluded that the picture series technique was successfully implemented as an appropriate technique in improving the student's ability to write recount text.