STUDENTS’ PROBLEMS IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING SCIENTIFIC APPROACH: A STUDY AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS 1 MATARAM

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating problems encountered by students in This study aimed to investigating problems encountered by students in learning English using scientific approach. This study also tried to found out factors that may causes the problems. This study is of quantitative descriptive research. There were 23 English students from Senior High School 1 Mataram selected as the participants of this research. The data were collected by means of questionnaire, interview, and observation. The data from questionnaire and interview were analyzed using thematic analysis. The observation used to collect the necessary data in classroom situation and strengthen questionnaire data. The problems investigated were in five points; (1) problems in observing stage (2) problems in questioning stage (3) problems in collecting data stage (4) problems in associating stage and (5) problems in communicating stage. The results of this study showed that the problems in observing stage are: a) students are not active in developing meaning and understanding particular concept, law or principles; b) students are unable to identify problems or learning objective. Problems in questioning stage are: a) students cannot develop their creativity, curiosity; b) the students fail to form questions to build critical thinking. Problems in collecting data stage are: a) students fail to develop their politeness, respect others opinion; b) students fail to develop the ability to communicate. Problems in associating stage is: a) students are unable to think inductively or deductively in concluding the material being studied. In communicating stage no problems were found. The other result shows that there are 5 factors that may cause the problems. The factors causing the problems are: a) students’ motivation; b) students’ characteristics; c) self-confidence of students; d) teacher; e) friends. Based on the results of the study, it is suggested to English teachers, students, government and all practitioners to take this as considerations in improving education in Indonesia through the effective implementation of scientific approach.