Improving Students' Ability to Write Recount Texts Using Clustering Techniques in Class IX.3 of SMP Negeri 3 Banjar in Academic Year 2021-2022

Abstract

This study aims to improve the ability to write in English for class IX.3 students of SMP Negeri 3 Banjar using the clustering technique in the even semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. This research was conducted from January to April 2022. The research subjects were class IX.3 students at SMP Negeri 3 Banjar, which consisted of 30 students. The object of this research is the ability of class IX.3 students of SMP Negeri 3 Banjar to write recount texts using the clustering technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an achievement test. The research instruments used were a questionnaire to collect data about the problems faced by students during the research process and an achievement test to determine the level of students' abilities in compiling recount text. The data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis. The research results showed a gradual increase in the percentage of student success. In the initial data search, the number of students who succeeded only reached 17%. In contrast, in cycle one, the number increased to 60%, a significant increase, and in the last cycle, the percentage was even better, reaching 80%. Thus, it can be concluded that the clustering technique can improve students' ability to write in English, especially in the form of recount text. The suggestion that can be recommended for the continuation of this research is that this technique will be used by other English teachers when teaching recount texts in their respective classes.