USING INTERACTIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE THE STUDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT OF GRADE FIVE IN SDIK MUHAMMADIYAH KEMBARAN IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2010/2011

This research is aimed to investigate the appropriate interactive teaching techniques and their implementation to improve the students’ involvement of grade five in SDIK Muhammadiyah Kembaran in the academic year 2010/2011. It is expected that the students’ involvement of grade five could be improved and the students could participate actively in the English teaching and learning process. This research is action research. The steps used in conducting this research were adopted from Kemmis and McTaggart’s model which consisted of planning, action and observation, and reflection. This study consisted of two cycles. The data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation during the research process. The data were analyzed by using the stages suggested by Burns, they were assembling, coding, and comparing the data, building interpretations, and reporting the outcomes. The validity of the data was obtained by applying the validity of democratic, outcome, process, catalytic, and dialogic validity. To fulfill the reliability of the data, the triangulation techniques were used in this research The result of this study shows that the use of interactive teaching techniques and its accompanying actions has successfully improved the students’ involvement of grade five in SDIK Muhammadiyah Kembaran. By implementing interactive activities through games, songs, and meaningful activities, the researcher finds that the students are happy to get involved in the learning activities. On the other hand, most of the students could participate in singing the songs, and they get better understanding since the songs are appropriate with the learning materials. The interaction among the students is also improved and their self-confidence, cooperation, responsibility, and autonomy were developed since the researcher applies different classroom organizations during the actions. The use of classroom English effectively has successfully familiarized the students with English, so that they become more confident to speak in English. In addition, the use of interesting materials and media has attracted the students to pay longer attention to the lesson. Meanwhile, the technique of giving appreciation towards the students’ work has effectively maintained the students’ motivation in learning; therefore they become active learners during the teaching and learning process