IMPROVING STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN WRITING THROUGH INQUIRY BASED LEARNING

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are: (1) to identify whether the implementation of Inquiry Based Learning improves students’ writing ability or not and (2) to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Inquiry Based Learning implementation. The research was conducted in SMA Negeri 3 Sukoharjo. The subject of research was 39 students of X3.This research used action research conducted in two cycles. Every cycle consisted of four steps: planning, action, observing and reflecting. In collecting data, the researcher used observation, questionnaire, interview and test. The result of the research showed that Inquiry Based Learning could improve the students’ writing ability. Their writing improved in each writing’s elements such as content, organization, vocabulary, grammar and mechanics. Their improvement can be seen by comparing the pre-test score and the post-test score. Their mean score of the pre-test, post-test 1, and post-test 2 were 72.04, 75.92, and 79.60. In implementation, there were some strengths of using Inquiry Based Learning such as making the students more confident and active, developing their critical thinking, and understanding the concept. On the other hand, this technique also had some weaknesses. Inquiry Based Learning is not appropriate technique for unmotivated students, not easy to do in limited time, and difficult to implement if the students are familiar with conventional way.