CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHOD
A. Type of the Research
In accordance with the objective of the research, the aim of this study is to improve ability in writing descriptive texts through mind mapping for grade VII E
students at SMPN 2 Gamping. This action research focuses on improving the real condition of the teaching and learning process to reach the improvement of the
students’ ability in writing descriptive texts. According to Nunan 1992 in McKay 2008, action research is carried out
by practitioners. It is collaborative. It is also aimed at changing things. This idea is supported by Burns 1999 in McKay 2008 that there are four characteristics of
action research. Firstly, action research is contextual, small scale, and localized. Secondly, it is evaluative and reflective. Thirdly, action research is participatory.
Lastly, it may change in practice which is based on the collection of information. The researcher decided to conduct action research by implementing the
model of action research procedure proposed by Kemmis and McTaggart as cited in Burns 2010: 7-9. There are four broad phases in the cycle of the research done
by using Kemmis and McTaggart model; planning, action, observation, reflection. The research design could be illustrated as follows:
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Figure 1: Action research cycles proposed by Kemmis and Taggart Burns, 2010:9
According to Figure 1, the researcher identified some problems, formulated some actions to overcome the problems, implemented the actions, and reflected
the result of the actions. In the action phase, he implemented the mind mapping technique during the teaching and learning process. He also actively participated
in the research in order to solve the problem. Through each part of those cycles, it was expected to bring improvement for students’ ability in writing descriptive
texts. Since the nature of action research is collaborative, the researcher did not
work alone. He collaborated with the collaborator and also the English teacher to improve the way to teach writing descriptive texts for grade VII E students
through mind mapping.
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