IMPROVING STUDENTS' LISTENING SKILLS USING THE PICTURE DICTATION STRATEGY IN THE TENTH GRADE OF SMA NEGERI 1 SUSUA

Abstract

Listening skill is one of the skills taught in English, and it refers to the ability to identify and understand spoken language. In learning to listen, most students are unable to reach the Minimum Completeness Criteria (MCC). There are several problems faced by students in listening classes at Tenda, SMA Negeri 1 Susua, namely: students are unable to understand the meaning of descriptive texts, particularly when describing places. To address this problem, the researcher applied the Picture Dictation Strategy in the tenth grade of SMA Negeri 1 Susua. The aim of this study was to improve students' listening skills in the tenth grade of SMA Negeri 1 Susua. To achieve this objective, the researcher conducted the study using Classroom Action Research (CAR), in which each cycle (planning, action, observation, and reflection) followed the process of classroom-based research. The results showed an improvement in students' listening abilities from Cycle I to Cycle II. In Cycle I, based on the students' observation sheets, they completed 69% of the activities. The highest score for listening ability was 69, and the lowest was 25. In Cycle II, based on the observation sheets, students completed 97% of the activities, and the listening ability scores ranged from 65 to 85. The average score also improved. Based on these results, the researcher concluded that the Picture Dictation Strategy is effective for teaching listening. Finally, the researcher offered several suggestions: First, it is recommended that English teachers use the Picture Dictation Strategy when teaching listening to motivate and engage students in learning English. Through listening practice, students can improve their ability to comprehend spoken language. Second, future researchers who study listening should further explore the use of the Picture Dictation Strategy so it can be implemented more widely as an effective strategy in teaching English skills. Third, this study can serve as a reference for readers and address students' needs in learning English, as students require various support to learn English more effectively and comfortably.