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4. Junior High School
In order to motivate the students appropriately, the researcher has to know about junior high school especially the students and the curriculum of junior high
school. The aim is to help the researcher to provide the right technique in motivating the students. By understanding the characteristics of junior high school
students, it is easier to understand their manners in order to make them encouraged in reading activity. Also, understanding the curriculum used in junior
high school is to develop the appropriate approach and method in motivating the students to read English texts. The following describes further about the
characteristics of junior high school students and junior high schools curriculum.
a. The Characteristics of Junior High School Students
Junior high school students in Indonesia are generally 13-15 years old. According to Caskey and Anfara 2007, this range of age is included in Early
Adolescence 10-15 years old phase which is going on between childhood and adolescence phase p.1. At this phase, youths experience quick and substantial
development change. This development influence their cognitive and mindset in doing their activities.
In teaching, teacher should pay attention to who heshe is teaching. Therefore the students‟ learning characteristics and intellectual development is
important for the teacher to understand the students‟ character. According to California State Department of Education, 1987; Kellough Kellough, 2008;
Manning, 2002; Scales, 2003, there are six intellectual developments of early adolescence.
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1 During early adolescence, youth exhibit a wide range of individual
intellectual development, metacognition, and independent thought. 2
Early adolescence youths tend to be greatly curious and show a wide range of interests, yet few are sustained.
3 Early adolescents are keen to learn something interesting and useful, be
active rather than be passive in learning activities, and prefer communications
with classmates
during teaching
and learning
activities. 4
When they mature, early adolescents begin to understand the nuances of metaphor,
gain meaning
from traditional
wisdom, experience
metacognition 5
As they mature, early adolescents start to understand the shades of metaphors, derive meaning from traditional wisdom, and experience
metacognition awareness. 6
Early adolescents are interested in real-life experiences and authentic learning rather than conventional learning.
7 Early adolescents start thinking about the future, anticipate needs, and
develop personal goals. as cited in Caskey Anfara, 2007, p.2
b. Junior High School Curriculum
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