IMPROVING THE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH SPEAKING ABILITY THROUGH ROLE-PLAY TO THE EIGHT GRADE STUDENTS OF SMPN 15 YOGYAKARTA IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2013/2014

摘要

This study is action research. The objective of the study is to improve the English speaking learning process of grade VIII D SMPN 15 Yogyakarta through the Role Play technique in the academic year of 2013/2014.udThe research was carried out at the first semester from 21 August until 4 September 2013. It involved the English teacher, the collaborator, and the students of grade VIII D. The steps were reconnaissance, planning, action and observation, and reflection. The research was conducted in two cycles, with three meetings in every cycle. The research implemented the Role Play technique in every meeting. The data were obtained by interviewing the English teacher and the students of grade VIII D, having discussion with the English teacher and collaborator, observing the teaching and learning process, taking pictures of the teaching and learning process. The instruments were the researcher, a photo camera, a cellular phone, and observation and interview guidelines. The data were in the forms of interview transcripts, field notes, observations‟ sheets, and photos.udFrom the actions conducted, it is concluded that there were successful and unsuccessful results when implementing the Role-Play technique in teaching and learning process. Using routines and simple classroom English effectively during the English teaching and learning process, implementing the Role Play technique, using various interesting activities, maximizing the use of available media, and giving point rewards for the students' involvement were successful to help the improvement of English speaking learning process. However, the use of long patterns of routines and classroom English, the use of some activities such as repeating and drilling activity were not successful. The students often protested when the teacher use long pattern of routines English. They also easily get bored when the teacher repeating and drilling the materials. However, by the actions, implementing Role-Play technique to the students could involve them actively in the teaching and learning activities. They also had more chances to practice their English orally and could improve their selfconfidence to practice their speaking skill to communicate with the others.