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a guidance to conduct an in-depth study in the future and even result a better performance.
F. Definition of Terms
This study concerns with some variables. Hence, it is important to define some variables clearer in order to avoid and to prevent misunderstanding. The
terms to be defined in this thesis are as follows:
1. Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a teaching technique that first proposed by Bruner. According to Wood, Bruner and Ross 1976, scaffolding is a form of assistance
offered by the adults that essentially occur during a learners’ learning process p. 199. The concept of scaffolding as teaching technique is teachers’ or adults’
assistance in teaching learning process. In this study, the writer investigates some types of scaffolding, which are
elaborated by Roehler and Cantlon 1997, and their advantages during English conversation class. According to them, there are five types of scaffolding that can
be provided in the class, namely, offering explanations, inviting students participation, verifying and clarifying student understandings, modeling of desired
behaviors, and inviting students to contribute clues p. 16. The types of scaffolding will be identified during the activities occur in English conversation
class. These five types of scaffolding are considered as teaching techniques
because they are implemented as the ways to assist students’ language learning in
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order to carry out particular tasks. The scaffolding teaching technique can be used when another technique are being implemented. In this study, for instance,
scaffolding occurs in the middle of discussion and role play. Scaffolding and its types can be distinguished from principles, as they are not only rules, but ways of
assisting students’ learning. The underlying concept of scaffolding teaching technique is adults’ or teachers’ assistance.
2. English Conversation Class
English conversation class is a special program or extracurricular designed by the school board of SMAN 1 Kalasan to support English curriculum that has
been established nationally. This program aims at improving students’ spoken English in English conversation. It focuses on the practice of conversation as a
part of speaking skill, instead of learning only the theory of English. Even though it is an extracurricular, every student has to attend the class since it is put inside
the regular schedule along with other main subjects.
3. Second Grade of SMAN 1 Kalasan
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