The Implementation of Problem-Based Learning to Improve EFL Junior High School Students’ Writing Skills
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i3.40Keywords:
problem based learning, writing skill, teaching writing principles, action researchAbstract
This research investigated the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to improve the writing skills of 32 seventh-grade EFL students in class VII D. The study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted over two cycles, each consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The methodology integrated both quantitative and qualitative data collection, utilizing writing tests, interview sheets, observations, and photographic evidence. The results demonstrated a significant and consistent improvement in students' writing performance and classroom engagement. The mean score progressed from 55.59 in the pre-test to 73.87 in Cycle I, and reached 83.68 in Cycle II.
References
Amalia, RD, & Rusfandi, R. (2020). The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Improving Students' Writing Descriptive Text in Vocational School. Journal of Educational Inspiration , 10 (1), 1–11. doi: 10.21067/jip.v10i1.3769.
Boardman, C. A., & Frydenberg, J. (2002). Writing to Communicate 2: Paragraphs and Essays. Pearson Education
Boud, D., & Feletti, G. (1997). The Challenge of Problem-based Learning (2nd ed.). London: Kogan Page.
Brown, H.D. (2010). Language Assessment: Principles and classroom practices. New York: Pearson Education Inc.
Caesar, M.I.M., Jawawi, R., Matzin, R., Shahrill, M., Jaidin, J.H., & Mundia, L. (2016). The Benefits of Adopting a Problem-Based Learning Approach on Students' Learning Developments in Secondary Geography Lessons. International Education Studies , 9 (2), 51. doi: 10.5539/ies.v9n2p51.
Cheong, C. M., & Cheung, W. S. (2008). Online Discussion and Critical Thinking Skills: A Case Study in a Singapore Secondary School. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24(5), 556–573.
Dalman, H. (2015). Keterampilan Menulis (Cet. 4). Rajawali Pers.
De Graaff, E., & Kolmos, A. (2003). Characteristics of Problem-Based Learning. International Journal of Engineering Education, 19(5), 657–662.
Emilia, E., & Christie, F. (2013). Factual Genres in English: Learning to Write, Read,and Talk about Factual Information. Rizqi Press.
Elizabeth, MA, & Zulida, AK (2012). Problem-Based Learning: A Source of Learning Opportunities in Undergraduates English for Specific Purposes. The International Journal of Social Sciences , 3 (1), 47–56.
Eodice, M., Geller, A.E., & Lerner, N. (2017). The Meaningful Writing Project: Learning, Teaching and Writing in Higher Education . Utah: University Press of Colorado.
Guillaume, A.M., Yopp, R.H., & Yopp, H.K. (2007). 50 Strategies for Active Teaching: Engaging K-12 Learners in the Classroom . New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Harmer, J. (2001). The Practice of English Language Teaching (3rd ed.). Harlow, England: Longman.
Ismayanti, E., & Kholiq, A. (2020). An Analysis of Students' Difficulties in Writing Descriptive Text. E-LINK Journal , 7 (1), 10. doi: 10.30736/ej.v7i1.260.
Itko, A. J. & Brookhart, S. M. (2011). Educational Assessment of Students (3rd ed.),
Jumariati, & Irawati, E. (2017). Problem- Based Learning in English Writing Classroom: A Study on Students' Perceptions Toward Its Impacts. International Journal of English and Education , 6 (3), 180–194.
Khan, S., Zaman, A., & Ghaffar, A. (2020). Students' Outcomes of Implementing Knowledge Exchange Teaching Method in the Classroom: An Action Research. Sjesr , 3 (2), 252–257. doi: 10.36902/sjesr-vol3-iss2-2020(252-257).
Mardiyah, D., Saun, S., & Refnaldi, R. (2013). The Second Grade Students' Ability in Writing a Descriptive Text at SMP N 1 Canduang. Journal of English Language Teaching , 1 (2), 281–290. doi: 10.24036/jelt.v1i2.1963.
Margetson, D. (1994). Problem-based learning: The curriculum and the student experience. Medical Education, 28(4), 321-332.
McCrimmon, J. M. (1984). Writing with a purpose. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Meyers, A. (2005). Gateway to Academic Writing: Effective Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays. Pearson Longman.
Myles, J. (2002). Second language writing and research: The writing process and error analysis in student texts. TESL- EJ, 6(2), 1–19.
Normala Othman & Mohamed Ismail Ahamad Shah (2013). Problem-Based Learnin in the English Language Classroom. Journal Canadian Center of Science and Education, doi:10.5539/elt.v6n3p125
Nunan, D. (2003). Practical English Language Teaching. McGraw-Hill.
Nurfidah, N. (2019). Analisis Kemampuan Menulis Teks Deskriptif Pada Siswa Kelas VII SMP Negeri 11 Mataram. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Pendidikan, 3(1)
Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (1997). Introduction to Academic Writing (Second Edition).
Longman, p. 50. Othman, N., & Shah, M.I.A. (2013).Problem-Based Learning in English Language Classroom. English Language Teaching , 6 (3), 125–134.
Rahayu, S., Verawati, NNSP, & Islamiah, AF (2019). Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning Model with Worksheet Assisted on Students' Critical Thinking Ability. Lens: Journal of Physics Education , 7 (2), 51. doi: 10.33394/j- lkf.v7i2.2686.
Rini Mariyani (2022). Improving student’s writing skill using problem base learning. Dialectical Literature and Education Journal (DLEJ), https://dlejpancasakti.ac.id/index.php/dlejpancasakti
Sara chusing weigle.(2010). Assessing Writing. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO97805117329 97
Yasin, A. (2011). Classroom Action Research: A Practical Guide . Padang: Bung Hatta University Press.
Yew, E. H. J., & Goh, K. (2016). Problem- Based Learning: An Overview of its Process and Impact on Learning. Health Professions Education, 2(2), 75–79. doi: 10.1016/j.hpe.2016.01.004.
Downloads
Published
Versions
- 2026-04-01 (2)
- 2026-03-27 (1)
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Tyah Anggun Tyaningtyas, Lusi Nurhayati

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.



























