Improving Speaking Skill of Eighth-Grade Students of SMP N 3 Ubud in academic year 2023/2024 Through Role Play

Speaking is one of four essential skills that must be mastered in essence. In fact, most junior high school students had speaking problems. The aim of this study was to examine whether the degree of conversational ability of the eighth-grade students at SMP N 3 Ubud in the academic year 2023/2024 school year could be improved by roleplaying through classroom behavioral studies. To achieve the purpose of this study, the researcher's activities consisted of a pre-test, a post-test, and a questionnaire. Pre-test results clearly showed a low level in speaking ability at 64.72 mean score. Researchers then applied a role-playing game to improve the skills tested. Post-tests were conducted through role-plays at the end of each cycle. In Cycle I and Cycle II post-test the results were significantly improved at 77.75 and 86.30 mean score. Another implication is that cycle Il was more effective than cycle I. In addition, researchers completed a questionnaire at the end of Cycle II to collect additional supporting data. It was shown that the students' motivation and attitude changed positively after the role-play for implementation. In summary, the current classroom behavioral research shows that the eighth- grade student's speaking skills at SMP N 3 Ubud can be improved through roleplaying for academic year 2023/2024.