IMPROVING THE SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ABILITY OF SMP N 2 BLORA THROUGH JIGSAW IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2012/2013

The objective of the research was to improve the seventh grade students’ speaking ability of SMP N 2 Blora in the academic year of 2012/2013 with the use of jigsaw technique. The research was carried out through action research that consisted of two cycles. The researcher collaborated with the English teacher in implementing the actions. The data were qualitative in nature. The data were obtained by observing the teaching and learning process during the implementation of the actions, interviewing the students, and holding discussions with the English teacher. The data were in the form of field notes, interview transcripts, and photographs. The procedures of the research were reconnaissance, planning, actions, and reflection. The validity of the data was obtained by applying the democratic validity, process validity and outcome validity. The result of the research shows that there are some improvements of the students’ speaking ability through the use of jigsaw. The students made a good improvement in some aspects of speaking skills. They participated actively and confidently during the implementation of the actions. They had more chances to speak up in the classroom activities. They became interested in the English lesson and they felt that the English lesson did not make them bored since the researcher used the interesting activities. The students were able to interact and communicate with their friends during group discussions