The Implementation of Problem Based Learning Approach to Improve Students’ Writing Skills

Abstract

The aims of this research are to find out how far the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) in enhancing students' writing and identifying the key elements contributing to students’ improvement in English learning. This study requires qualitative and quantitative method. The subjects were 30 students from SMPN 2 BANTUL in grade VII and this study was conducted in two cycles. The instruments of this study were tasks, tests and field notes in collecting data. Then, the results indicated that the implementation of PBL positively impacted students' writing abilities. The PBL approach incorporated real-life problems to inspire writing, group discussions, research and inquiry facilitated by worksheets, drafting, creating a descriptive text report, group presentations, and collaborative critique. Assessment through tests demonstrated a significant increase in average scores, rising from 49.38 in pre-test and then in post-test Cycle 1 was 58.88. After that, the post-test in the last cycle was 80.94 after. In summary, the research concluded that PBL was a beneficial strategy for enhancing descriptive text for writing skills among seventh-grade students at SMPN 2 Bantul.