AN APPLICATION OF TASK-BASED LEARNING IN IMPROVING STUDENTS'ABILITY IN LISTENING TO CONVERSATION

Abstract

This research is aimed at improving the students' ability in listening to conversation in Listening 1 subject. In this research, Task-Based Learning was applied, especially in listening to longer conversations. This research was conducted in two cycles, each of them was done in 4 meetings. The variables investigated include in some cycle components of tasks, namely: Pre-Task (Introduction to topic and task). Task cycle ( Task, Planning, Report), and Language Focus (Analysis, Practice). The data of this research were the students' listening comprehension ability. Before Task-Based Learning was applied, a pre-test was conducted while a post-test was administered after the treatment. The data were analyzed by comparing the result of pre-test and the result of post test. The findings showed that there was an increase from 56,5 in Pre- Test to 63,5 in Post-test (Cycle 1) and to 73,25 in Post- Test (Cycle 2). Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of Task-Based Learning is significantly effective in improving the students' ability in listening to conversation.