The Implementation of Smart Fingers Technique in Improving Students' Tenses Mastery at 1st Semester Students of English Department of Mathla'ul Anwar University, Banten

houghton, walter e.; dr. tri wintolo apoko, m.pd; h. ujang suparman, m.a., ph.d.;

This thesis aims to investigate the implementation of Smart Fingers technique in improving students’ tenses mastery at 1st semester students of English department of Mathla’ul Anwar University, Banten.
The thesis employs the qualitative research design with the characteristics of action research. It uses a triangulation of data collection methods involving questionnaire, observation, and interview. The data are obtained from 12 sessions of classroom observation, in three cycles. Each cycle has four meetings. The questionnaire is conducted after every session of class observation. The interview with the teachers is conducted before observation, and interview with the students after every session of observation and after the observation completed. The data analysis is conducted to identify important findings as it is expected by the objective of the research.
The findings reveal that the implementation of Smart Fingers technique is helpful and easy to conduct. In addition, this technique can improve students’ tenses mastery. In relation to the students’ responses on the technique, it is found that the students respond the technique positively. Moreover, they feel happy and enthusiastic to practice this technique in learning and mastering English tenses.
Based on the findings of this research, it is significant for the teachers to choose the appropriate technique for improving students’ tenses mastery, particularly Smart Fingers technique as mentioned above. It is also wise for the teachers to identify the students’ responses on the technique used to determine which technique is appropriate for them. The findings also expect other researchers to investigate the effect of this technique on other students’ ability in grammar mastery.