The Implementation of Outdoor Learning Method on Speaking Skills in Expressing Opinions Through Simple Argumentative Texts by Students

Abstract

The speaking skills of elementary school students in expressing opinions are often less than optimal. This condition was evident among Grade V students at SD Negeri 354 Batahan III, where pretest results showed that 13 out of 19 students (68.4%) fell into the "very low" category, and none (0%) reached the "very high" category. This study aimed to examine the impact of implementing the outdoor learning method on students’ speaking skills, particularly in expressing opinions through simple argumentative texts. After the outdoor learning method was implemented, the posttest results indicated significant improvement: 68% of students achieved the “very high” category, 15.8% “high,” 10.5% “moderate,” and only 5.3% remained in the “very low” category. No student was in the “low” category (0%). The average normalized gain score reached 0.90, placing all students (100%) in the “high” improvement category (g ≥ 0.70). In terms of learning motivation, prior to the intervention, most students showed concerning results: 16% were unmotivated, 58% were poorly motivated, and only 5% were already motivated, with an average score of 59.5. However, following the implementation of the method, there was a significant increase: 53% became motivated, 42% sufficiently motivated, and only 5% remained poorly motivated. The average motivation score rose to 98.7. Meanwhile, observational data on student activity also confirmed the success of this method. The average student activity level during learning reached 83.875%, with indicators such as listening to instructions (100%), forming groups (86.8%), completing tasks (86.8%), and engaging in orderly discussion (89.5%). In conclusion, the implementation of the outdoor learning method proved effective in improving speaking skills, learning motivation, and student engagement. This approach offers a promising alternative for teachers to create a more meaningful and contextual learning environment, particularly in teaching argumentative texts in Bahasa Indonesia