Prinsip dan Langkah-Langkah Penerapan Focus Group Discussion untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berbicara dan Berpikir Kritis Mahasiswa

Abstract

Speaking skills are one of four language skills that every individual needs to have in order for them to be successful in communicating their thoughts to others effectively. Using the research method Design Based Research (DBR), this study describes the principles and steps to modify the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to improve students' speaking and critical thinking skills. The study involved 5-9 participants consisting of lecturers and students where data collection was carried out in four cycles through observation, interviews, and documentation of participant self-reflection notes. The principles as well as the FGD implementation steps to improve students' critical thinking and speaking skills, namely: (1) introduction and simulation of FGDs, (2) group determination and preparation of FGD topics, (3) extracting information and increasing vocabulary through reading activities, ( 4) FGD practice, (5) reflection and input, 6) making FGD notes, and 7) oral presentation. These implementation principles can be modified according to the conditions in each learning context.