The Role of Group Counseling Service Using Brainstorming Technique in Improving Students’ Learning Independence

Abstract

This research aimed to improve learning independence through group counseling service using brainstorming technique in the 8thC graders of SMP N 2 Gondangrejo. The methods of collecting data used were observation, interview, and documentation. The subjects of research were the 8thC graders of SMP N 2 Gondangrejo, consisting of 10 students. The result of early observation showed that students’ learning independence was still low. Then, group counseling service was administered using brainstorming technique encompassing four stages: formation, transition, main activity, and concluding in six meetings. The students tended to be silent when the teacher gave them an opportunity of questioning during learning process, some students still made jokes with friends excessively during attending the learning in the class, and some students still cheated when the teacher assigned tasks and during examinations, and some students still made truancy and felt bored in the classroom. After group counseling service with brainstorming technique given to students, it could change the students’ independence attitude into the better one. The students seemed to be more active, to learn independently in expressing opinion, to be open, to make decision appropriately, to improve and to develop conception on themselves, others, and their environment. Thus, group counseling service with brainstorming technique plays an important role in helping students improve their learning independence. Keywords—learning independence, group