Pendekatan pembelajaran inkuiri dalam kemahiran menulis bahasa Inggeris di madrasah negeri Makassar

Abstract

Learning of English writing skills among students in Makassar is still facing problems and challenges. Therefore, it is important to address those problems and challenges with the right approach. The purpose of this study is to identify the type of inquiry learning approach that can improve students’ performance in English writing skills and also to identify the problems faced by students in learning of English writing skills. The research design utilised quasi eksperimental method using sequential explanatory approach which combines quantitative and qualitative techniques. Two 10th grade classes in Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 3, Makassar consisting of 35 students in each class were selected as respondents. One class was taught English writing skills using five different types of inquiry learning approaches that are, confirmation inquiry, structured inquiry, guided inquiry, opened inquiry, and autentic inquiry, while the other class was taught using conventional approach. Quantitative data were collected through English writing skills pre-test and post-test for both classroom and were analyzed using mean and t-test. The pre-test analysis results showed that there is no significant difference between students who were taught using inquiry learning approach and students taught using conventional learning approach. However, The post-test analysis results showed that the students’ performance taught using inquiry learning approach is higher than that of the students taught using conventional teaching approach, and also showed a significant difference between them.Then, a total of 11 respondents who were taught using inquiry learning approach were interviewed in a focus groups. The interview data were analysed thematically. Results of interviews showed that students with low and moderate achievements are more interested in guided inquiry learning approach while students with high achievements are more interested in autentic inquiry learning approach. In addition, this study found that students who were taught using inquiry learning approach, stated that the approach help to enhance their English writing skills. Among the five elements of writing skills, namely content, organization, vocabulary, language usage, and mechanics, it is found that there are two problematic elements for students: language usage and vocabulary. Students still have difficulties in developing their English writing because of their difficulties in differentiating the tenses and having limited vocabulary. The result of the study is a proposal for the implementation of inquiry learning approach that can improve the achievement of English writing skills among students in Madrasah Negeri Makassar.