THE USE OF ROLE PLAYS TO IMPROVE SPEAKING SKILLS OF ACCOUNTING PROGRAM STUDENTS GRADE XI IN SMK N 1 DEPOK IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2013/2014

摘要

The objective of this study was to improve the speaking skills of Accounting Program students grade XI in SMK N 1 Depok, in the academic year of 2013/2014 through the use of role plays. The research was classified as action research. It was conducted in two cycles, which was held for three meetings in the first cycle and two meetings in the second cycle.udThe research procedure consisted of reconnaissance, planning, action and observation, and reflection. The participants of the study were 32 students of class XI AK 3 and the English teacher. The study was conducted in SMK N 1 Depok. The data obtained during the research include qualitative data and quantitative data. The qualitative data were obtained from observations and interviews, while the quantitative data were gained from tests. The qualitative data was analyzed by assembling, coding, comparing the data, building interpretations and reporting the outcome. The mean scores of the tests were gained as the result of the quantitative data analysis. The validity of the research data used was democratic, outcome, process, catalytic, and dialogic validity. The reliability used was time, investigator, and theoretical triangulation. udThe results of the study showed that the use of role plays successfully improved the students’ speaking skills. They became more active in the teaching and learning process. They actively joined the lesson and enthusiastically did the tasks. The students showed improvement in some aspects such as pronunciation, vocabulary mastery and confidence. Furthermore, they spoke English without much encouragement and without being afraid of making mistakes. This implied that implementing role plays in the teaching and learning process of English could improve the students’ speaking skills.