Improving Speaking Skills Using the Brainstorming Method in Grade IV MI NO 04/E.72, Koto Baru District, Sungai Penuh City

Abstrak

This research is motivated by the need to improve students' speaking skills in Indonesian language learning at MI NO 04/E.72, Koto Baru District, Sungai Penuh City, which currently relies on the lecture method. This method results in a lack of student engagement and motivation during lessons. Observations indicate that students are less active, and summative assessments show significant differences in students' speaking skill outcomes. To address this issue, this study employs the brainstorming method, which is expected to enhance students' learning interest and improve their speaking skills by actively involving them in the learning process and allowing them to learn through direct experience. Speaking is one of the language skills used in daily life. It serves as a more effective communication tool and plays an important role in life. According to Tarigan, as cited in Hilaliyah (2017), "Speaking is the ability to produce articulated sounds or words to express, state, and convey thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Speaking is one of the productive oral language skills, meaning it is an ability that enables a person to communicate ideas, thoughts, or emotions so that the listener can understand them." Similarly, Hermawan (2013) states that "Speaking skills refer to the ability to produce articulated sounds or words to express thoughts in the form of ideas, opinions, desires, or feelings to a communication partner." Language plays a crucial role in developing human potential in various aspects of life because it functions not only as a communication tool but also as an effective medium for expressing diverse ideas. This research is a Classroom Action Research (CAR) study. It consists of four stages: planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The subjects of this study are fourth-grade students at MI NO 04/E.72, Koto Baru District, Sungai Penuh City. The research instruments include teacher activity observation sheets, student activity observation sheets, and student speaking skills tests. The results show that students' speaking skills activity in Cycle I achieved a score of 35% with an average of 76.4, which increased in Cycle II to 84% with an average of 84.4. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that using the Brainstorming method in Indonesian language learning helps improve the speaking skills of fourth-grade students at MI NO 04/E.72, Koto Baru District, Sungai Penuh City, in the 2024/2025 academic year.