Writing is one of the core language competencies students are expected to master in Indonesian language education. Among the various writing genres, news writing holds a particularly important role because it requires students to communicate factual information accurately, objectively, and systematically. Developing this skill also helps students improve information literacy, critical thinking, and communication abilities.
Despite its importance, many students continue to struggle with writing quality news articles. Common challenges include identifying essential news elements, organizing information into a coherent structure, and applying appropriate language conventions. Preliminary observations at SMP Negeri 2 Sijunjung revealed that many seventh-grade students were unable to produce complete news texts based on the 5W+1H principles (what, who, when, where, why, and how). Traditional teacher-centered instruction also limited students' opportunities to actively explore information and develop their writing skills.
To address these challenges, the researchers introduced Problem-Based Learning (PBL) supported by audio-visual media. Instead of relying solely on lectures, students learned by solving authentic problems using videos, news broadcasts, and other multimedia materials. They observed real-life events, analyzed information collaboratively, discussed evidence, and transformed their findings into well-structured news reports.
The study employed a quasi-experimental design involving two seventh-grade classes at SMP Negeri 2 Sijunjung. One class received instruction through PBL assisted by audio-visual media, while the control group continued learning through conventional teaching methods.
Researchers collected data using two instruments: a news-writing performance test and a learning motivation questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests and two-way ANOVA, were conducted to evaluate the effects of instructional methods, learning motivation, and the interaction between both variables on students' news-writing achievement.
The study produced several noteworthy findings.
Key findings include:
- Students taught through PBL assisted by audio-visual media achieved an average score of 73.75, outperforming students taught through conventional instruction, who averaged 67.96.
- Students with high learning motivation consistently demonstrated better writing performance than students with low motivation.
- Within the experimental group, highly motivated students achieved an average score of 85.93, compared to 61.56 among students with lower motivation.
- In the control group, students with high motivation averaged 79.68, while those with low motivation scored 56.25.
- Statistical analysis also identified a significant interaction between instructional model and learning motivation, indicating that PBL becomes even more effective when students are highly motivated.
Beyond improved test scores, researchers observed meaningful changes in classroom behavior. Students participating in PBL actively engaged in discussions, asked more questions, collaborated with classmates, and showed greater enthusiasm throughout the learning process. Exposure to authentic video materials enabled them to identify factual information more easily and organize news content in a logical, journalistic format.
Meanwhile, students in the conventional classroom relied more heavily on teacher explanations and demonstrated less active participation. This difference in classroom engagement likely contributed to the superior writing performance observed in the experimental group.
According to the research team from Universitas Negeri Padang, the success of PBL lies in its ability to place students at the center of the learning process. Rather than passively receiving information, students investigate real-world issues, evaluate evidence, collaborate with peers, and communicate their understanding through writing.
The addition of audio-visual media further strengthens this process by providing authentic representations of real events. Videos and news broadcasts supply concrete information that students can analyze and transform into written news articles, reducing the difficulty of generating ideas while improving the organization and accuracy of their writing.
The research also highlights the critical role of learning motivation. Students who were highly motivated participated more actively, invested greater effort in revising their work, and demonstrated stronger persistence in completing writing tasks. These behaviors amplified the benefits of the PBL approach, suggesting that instructional innovation should be accompanied by strategies that encourage student motivation.
For educators, the findings offer several practical implications. Indonesian language teachers are encouraged to integrate Problem-Based Learning with audio-visual media into writing instruction to create more engaging and meaningful classroom experiences. Teachers should also foster students' motivation by providing constructive feedback, encouraging collaboration, creating supportive learning environments, and designing activities connected to authentic, real-world situations.
More broadly, the study demonstrates that improving literacy skills does not necessarily require sophisticated technology. Effective instructional design, authentic learning experiences, multimedia resources, and motivated learners can together produce substantial improvements in students' writing competence. These findings align closely with Indonesia's educational reforms promoting active learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and 21st-century literacy skills.
Author Profile
Sevri Ivo is a researcher from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), Indonesia, specializing in Indonesian language education, writing instruction, innovative teaching strategies, and Problem-Based Learning.
This study was co-authored by Abdurahman, Nursaid, and Tressyalina, faculty members at Universitas Negeri Padang whose research focuses on language education, literacy development, curriculum innovation, instructional strategies, and educational assessment.
Research Source
Article Title: The Effect of an Audio-Visual Media-Assisted Problem-Based Learning Model and Learning Motivation on the News Writing Skills of Seventh-Grade Students at SMPN 2 Sijunjung
Journal: Indonesian Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), Vol. 5, No. 7, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijar.v5i7.16832
Official Journal: https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/ijar
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