The Strength of Picture Series than Other Types of Pictures in Learning Activities Speaking activities that can use the picture series as media

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CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODS

A. Type of the Research

This research was action research because essentially it tried to solve the problems found in the teaching and learning process, especially the problems related to speaking skills. In addition, it also tried to improve the quality of it. This research was action research in which it was collaborative in nature because the researcher collaborated with the English teacher to conduct the research. Besides being collaborative, this action research is focused on the speaking skills. The researcher and the collaborator tried to improve the speaking skills by using picture series.

B. Setting of Research

This part consists of three issues. The first issue is the place of the research, the second issue is the schedule of the research and the last issue is the learning setting. Each part is discussed below.

1. Place of the Research

This research was carried out at MTs Wahid Hasyim which is located in Jl. K.H Wahid Hasyim no 3 Gaten Condong Catur Depok Sleman Yogyakarta. The location is about 3 km and 10 minutes from UNY. It is easy to reach this location. There was much public transportation passing this site. Physically, MTs Wahid Hasyim has nice classrooms, a library, a teachers ’ room, a headmasters’ room, a guidance and counseling room BK, an UKS room, a mosque, canteens, a multimedia room, laboratories and garden

2. Schedule of the Research

The researcher conducted the action research in the second semester of the academic year of 20132014. The research was conducted from April to May 2014. In conducting the actions, the researcher followed the English schedule of class of MTs Wahid Hasyim Yogyakarta because the researcher conducted the action research in this class. The research was conducted from April to May 2014 for whole activities, including the interview, the observation, and the action. 3. Research Subjects The subjects of this research were the students of the eighth grade of MTs Wahid Hasyim Yogyakarta. The English teacher tended to ask the students to memorize the vocabularies by using Picture Series during the teaching and learning process. They tended to recall their memory about the materials they have memorized rather than make sense of what they have said. In accordance to that, the researcher considers that the class needs some improvements. The researcher wants to improve the students’ speaking skills by using Picture Series.