IMPLEMENTING COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN DESCRIPTIVE TEXT WRITING AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL: PROCESS, PERCEPTIONS, AND CHALLENGES

Dian Wulandari; Fela Dafitri

doi:10.30998/inference.v9i2.4048

Authors

Dian Wulandari University of Singaperbangsa Karawang Author
Fela Dafitri University of Singaperbangsa Karawang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30998/inference.v9i2.4048

Keywords:

Cooperative Learning, descriptive text, writing skill

Abstract

Many Indonesian students experience difficulties in writing descriptive texts due to limited vocabulary, weak grammar, and low motivation. This study examined the contribution of Cooperative Learning (CL) to students’ descriptive writing skills and the challenges of its implementation. A descriptive qualitative design was conducted at a junior high school in Karawang, Indonesia, involving one English teacher and seven ninth-grade student group leaders selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that CL improved writing through idea sharing, peer feedback, and vocabulary enrichment while increasing students’ motivation, participation, and social skills. However, challenges such as unequal participation, language barriers, and classroom management issues remained. The study concluded that CL was an effective strategy for teaching descriptive writing when supported by balanced group participation and explicit language instruction.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Amelia, M., & Prystiananta, N. C. (2021). Using inquiry-based learning strategy in teaching writing descriptive text. Linguistic English Education and Art (LEEA) Journal, 5(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.31539/leea.v5i1.2648

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Chen, R. (2021). A review of cooperative learning in EFL classroom. Asian Pendidikan, 1(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.53797/aspen.v1i1.1a.2021

Hardianty, S., Husein, A. M., Ishom, M., Purike, E., & Sholihah, H. I. (2023). Evaluation of the effectiveness of cooperative learning methods in enhancing English writing skills among elementary school students. International Journal of Society Reviews (INJOSER), 1(2), 309–322.

Harmer, J. (2004). How to teach writing. Pearson Education

Hafizah, W., Husna, N., Sunengsih, N., & Maulidya, R. A. (2024). High school students’ difficulties in writing descriptive text. Jurnal Imiah Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, 8(1), 61–70. https://doi.org/10.23887/jipp.v8i1.66730

Ismayanti, E., & Kholiq, A. (2020). An analysis of students’ difficulties in writing descriptive text. E-Link Journal, 7(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.30736/ej.v7i1.260

Jacobs, G. M., Power, M. A., & Inn, L. W. (2002). The teacher’s sourcebook for cooperative learning: practical methods, basic principles, and frequently asked questions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Johannes, Y. (2021). Analyzing difficulties in writing descriptive text of grade ten students at SMA Negeri 3 Tana toraja. Tadulako University, 1- 69.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1999). Learning Together and Alone, 5th Ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon

Nurfidoh, S., & Kareviati, E. (2021). An analysis of students’ difficulties in writing descriptive texts. Project (Professional Journal of English Education), 4(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v4i1.p16-22

Pratiwi, S., Mahrani, & Meidipa, L. F. (2024). Challenges in understanding descriptive texts among eighth-grade students at MTS Swasta Darul Akhiroh, Bonan Dolok. Etanic: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 2(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.55266/journaletanic.v2i1.367

Rahmi, Tahir, M., & Patak, A. A. (2025). A qualitative study on the implementation of Jigsaw model cooperative learning strategies in teaching descriptive texts at senior high school: Challenges and peer interactions. IDEAS: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature, 13(2), 3805–3829. https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.7527

Slavin, R. E. (1980). Cooperative learning. Review of Educational Research, 50(2), 315-342.

Syifa, Q. A., Baekani, A. K. A., & Srisudarso, M. (2022). Junior high school students’ difficulties in writing descriptive text. JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 5(10), 4470–4474. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v5i10.1044

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.