Improving Speaking Skills (Indonesian Language) and Understanding of Various Forms of Energy (Natural Sciences) through the Demonstration Methodamong Fourth-Grade Students of SDN 1 Kembang Kerang Academic Year 2010 - 2011

Abstract

This study aimed to improve fourth grade students mastery of Indonesian Language and Natural Sciences at SDN 1 Kembang Kerang through the aplication of the demonstration method. The study employed a classroom action research (CAR) approach conducted in two Cycles. Each Cycle consisted of planning, action, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subject were 21 fourth-grade students. Data were collected through learning outcome tests, observations of teacher and student activites, and learning documentation.

The result of cycle I showed that students mastery of the material was still uneven and that some student had not yet met the learning mastery criteria. Therefore, instructural improvements were implemeted in Cycle II by of the material, and increasing students demonstration method. The result of Cycle II indicated a significant improvement in learning outcomes in both Indonesian Language and Natural Sciences subject. A total of 18 students, or 90.47%, achieved scores in the good to very good categories, exceending the research succes indicator, which required at least 75% of student to achieve learning mastery.

Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the demonstration method is effective in improving student mastery and understanding of Indonesian Language and Natural Sciences material among fourth-grade students at SDN Kembang Karang.