THE EFFECTS OF PERCEPTION ON FREE WRITING TECHNIQUE AND CRITICAL THINKING TOWARDS STUDENTS ENGLISH DESCRIPTIVE TEXT WRITING SKILL (A Survey at Private Islamic Junior High Schools In South Tangerang)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to describe the effects of perception on the use of free writing technique and critical thinking in learning activities—both simultaneously and individually—on students’ English descriptive text writing skills. It also investigates the individual influence of students' perception toward teacher feedback and self-regulated learning on their writing skills. The study was conducted in private Islamic junior high schools (Madrasah Tsanawiyah) in South Tangerang during the 2024/2025 academic year. The research method used was a survey, involving a sample of 90 respondents. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires and descriptive text writing tests in English. The results indicate that: (1) There is a significant simultaneous effect of students’ perception of teacher feedback and self-regulated learning on their descriptive text writing skills (Sig = 0.000 < 0.05, F = 91.062); (2) There is a significant effect of students’ perception of free writing technique on their descriptive text writing skills (Sig = 0.040 < 0.05, t = 2.854); (3) There is a significant effect of critical thinking on students’ descriptive writing performance (Sig = 0.049 < 0.05, t = 2.478). These findings suggest a recommendation for English teachers to improve students’ English descriptive writing skills at the junior high school level in South Tangerang by focusing on enhancing the quality of feedback and promoting self-regulated learning.