THE EFFECT OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL) MODEL ON THE STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN WRITING APPLICATION LETTER

Abstrak

This study examines the impact of the project-based learning model on the ability of grade XII students to write application letters. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, it employs a Quasi-Experimental method. The research population consists of 115 grade XII students at SMK Negeri 1 Sei Kepayang, from which 40 students were randomly selected. Among them, 21 were assigned to the experimental group, while 19 formed the control group. Data collection was carried out through tests, including pre-tests and post-tests, where students were tasked with writing application letters. The analysis involved validating the test instruments, assessing their reliability, and conducting a t-test to compare the results. The findings revealed a significant improvement in the writing skills of students taught using the project-based learning model compared to those who received conventional instruction. The t-test results indicated that the t-count value was 5.54, surpassing the t-table value of 2.03 at a degree of freedom (df) of 38. Based on hypothesis testing criteria, where t-count > t-table, the null hypothesis (H₀) was rejected, confirming the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (Hₐ). These results demonstrate that the project-based learning model has a substantial positive effect on students' ability to write application letters compared to traditional teaching methods. This research highlights the effectiveness of project-based learning in enhancing students' writing skills, particularly for grade XII students at SMK Negeri 1 Sei Kepayang during the 2024/2025 academic year.