CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
English is one of general subjects taught in school. English today has
grown rapidly, both material and its usefulness. Thus, every English language
teaching in schools must always consider the development of English,
implementation and use of English itself. By mastering the English language,
students can increase knowledge and skill.
Membaca merupakan salah satu kemampuan yang harus dikuasai oleh
siswa dalam mempelajari Bahasa Inggris.

The role of teachers in providing subject matter is enormous. In general,

teachers will choose the easiest path, which informs of facts and concepts through
expository method. The students did have some knowledge, but a lot of that
knowledge as information received from teachers, while they themselves are not
accustomed to trying to find their own knowledge so that it becomes meaningless
and quickly forgotten. If this is developed continuously, it will cause problems for
students and teachers.
In learning, particularly English is emphasized for inclusion aspects of
creativity. This is indicated by a statement contained in the Competency-Based
Curriculum which states that in order to face the challenges of life today, charged
with Human Resources that are reliable and able to compete globally, thus

requiring high skills involving critical thinking, systematic, logical, creative and
ability to cooperate effectively.
In related, there needs a model of learning English that can improve
student learning creativity in solving a problem with English. The use of
cooperative learning model is one alternative to improve student understanding
and creativity.
In the model of cooperative learning, collaboration skills required for
students in their group, to train students in critical thinking so that students' skills
in understanding the course material delivered can be increased. While the
researchers chose Class Discussion Group, because it is a simplest and most easily
implemented in the classes who have never been implemented cooperative
learning.
Observations made by the researchers together with an English teacher in
SMPN 7 Muaro Jambi especially the VIII grade first semester of academic year
2010/2011 can be seen that students have difficulty understanding the material
taught by teachers so that students mastery was still below the specified standard
school party which is 75%. In addition, the results of observations conducted by
researchers observed the behavior and attitude of students in a school activity,
indicating that the need to improve other aspects other than student learning
outcomes, that is one of them is the creativity of students.
Based on the description above, the researcher is interested in conducting
research with the title THE INFLUENCE OF CLASS DISCUSION GROUP

TOWARDS STUDENTS LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT OF ENGLISH IN

SMPN 7 MUARO JAMBI

1.2 Formulation of the Problem

Based on the description on the background of the study above, the
formulation of the study in this research is: Is there any effect of class discussion
groups application towards students learning achievement of English in SMPN 7
Muaro Jambi?

1.3 Limitation of the Study

To avoid misinterpretation in this study, it is necessary to limit on the
problem, namely:
1. The study group referred to in this research is conducted the study groups
in the classroom, grouping students consisting of 4-5 students in each
group, called Buzz Group and Panel Group.
2. Intended learning achievement is the value obtained by students in English
learning.

1.4 Purpose of the Study

Based on the formulation of this problem, so that the purpose of this
research is to find out whether there is any influence of class discussion group
towards students learning achievement of English in junior high school students 7
Muaro Jambi.

1.5 Significant of the Study

1) For Teachers
This research is expected to contribute to the teachers in improving
student learning achievement through class discussion group teaching
method. Results of the research will be given to teachers to improve
students' English learning achievement.
2) For Students
This research is expected to provide input for the students to always
use the whole source of learning and independent learning habit that
will assist in achieving optimal learning achievement, especially on
English subjects.
1.6 Hypothesis
Ho: There are no positive differences in students learning achievement in
English subjects that will be taught through class discussion group
method.
Ha: There are positive differences in students learning achievement in
English subjects that will be taught through class discussion group
method.