The Use of Small Group Discussion through Project-Based Learning to Develop Students’ Speaking Skill at Vocation High School
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i2.11146Keywords:
Small Group Discussion, Project Based-Learning, Speaking SkillAbstract
This study investigated the use of Small Group Discussion through Project-Based Learning to develop students’ speaking skill at UPTD SMK Negeri 1 Sarjo. Speaking is a crucial skill for vocational high school students because it supports communication in academic, social, and professional contexts, including presentations, job interviews, customer service, and workplace interaction. However, tenth-grade students at UPTD SMK Negeri 1 Sarjo experienced problems in speaking English, particularly limited vocabulary, grammar accuracy, pronunciation, fluency, and lack of confidence. This research employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design. The population consisted of 82 tenth-grade students, while the sample consisted of 40 students selected from two classes: 20 students in the experimental class and 20 students in the control class. The experimental class was taught using Small Group Discussion through Project-Based Learning, while the control class received conventional instruction. The instruments were an oral speaking test and a student perception questionnaire. The speaking test assessed pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and comprehension, while the questionnaire measured students’ perceptions of the learning strategy. The results showed that the experimental class improved from a pre-test mean score of 54.80 to a post-test mean score of 67.50. Meanwhile, the control class improved from 56.20 to 59.70. The post-test classification showed that 10% of experimental students reached the excellent category and 40% reached the good category, while no control students reached the excellent category. Questionnaire results showed that 60% of students gave strongly positive responses, 30% positive responses, and 10% neutral responses. The study concludes that Small Group Discussion through Project-Based Learning effectively improves students’ speaking skill and promotes confidence, collaboration, creativity, and idea organization in English speaking.
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