The Use of Puppet in Teaching Speaking to Young Learners

Abstract

| repository.upi.edu | perpustakaan.upi.edu CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION This chapter presents an introduction of the research paper which describes the background of the research, research questions, aims of the study, and significances of the study. In addition, the organization of this research paper is also presented at the end of the chapter. 1.1 Background of The Study English has been taught in all levels of education in Indonesian primary schools with greater compulsion, and at a steadily lowering age (Graddol, 2006, p. 88). The statement shows the emerging trend in the world of English language learning and teaching, that is teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL). The skill of communicating in English in the global world nowadays is considered as one of the must-required life skills. Despite English is no longer being included in Indonesia 2013 curriculum, young learners will get benefits from this study. One advantage of teaching English to early ages is the aim to make young learners familiar with foreign language. It is in line with Cameron (2001) who proposes some advantages to introduce young learners to foreign languages at early age. She (2001) believes that children who have an early start development will gain advantages in some areas of language skills which are divided into two kinds namely receptive and productive. Receptive skills consist of listening and reading skills, while productive skills consist of speaking and writing skills. Speaking is an important skill especially for English as Foreign Language (EFL). Speaking is the basic human skills since they were born. However, Peregoy and Boyle (2001:107) states that listening, speaking, reading and writing also occur naturally together in learning events in school at all grade levels, even though traditionally they were taught separately. Relevant to the importance of English speaking skills, it is necessary to develop and increase the attitudes of EFL for young learners in speaking English, in this case English language in Indonesia.

Puppet as a Medium in Project-Based Learning (PBL) to Promote English Language Competencies

“…Many studies proposed some learning models or techniques while using puppets in ELT to improve students" language skills. Some studies found that puppets can be an effective medium and material to promote students" speaking competencies [9], [10], [11]. However, no study is investigating how using puppets, exclusively the Javanese puppets in PBL can promote students" four language skills.…”