IMPROVING STUDENTS’ LISTENING SKILLS THROUGH VARIED LISTENING TASKS IN A LANGUAGE LABORATORY AT SMP N 2 YOGYAKARTA

The objective of this study is to improve students’ listening skills through varied listening tasks conducted at the language laboratory. In more specific terms, this study is aimed at answering the questions of (1) what are the action plans conducted by the researcher?, (2) how does the researcher use varied listening tasks in the language laboratory?, and (3) how do the students’ listening skills improve? This study is categorized as action research. The data were collected by using three instruments namely a questionnaire, pre-test and post test, and observation. The data obtained from the questionnaire and pre-test and post test were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, using descriptive and inferential analyses. The data gained from the observation in the form of field notes were analyzed by using descriptive analysis. The result of this study reveals three findings. First, the action plans of the study. Second, the process of the use of varied listening tasks in the language laboratory. Third, the students’ five listening skills improved (pre-test Mean = 6.22; post test Mean = 8.36;) which was significant (t = 17.328; p = 0.000)