MENEMUKAN PENYEBAB YANG BERKONTRIBUSI TERHADAP RENDAHNYA PRESTASI AKADEMIK BAHASA INGGRIS SISWA DI SMAN 1 DAMPAL UTARA

Putry Handayani (A122 22 011). This thesis is entitled Exploring the Causes Contributing to Students’ Low English Academic Performance at SMAN 1 Dampal Utara. Postgraduate English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Tadulako University under the Guidance of Jamiluddin and Darmawan.

Since it is one of parameters to measure success or failure of learning process, it is important to be aware of the causes especially in English that attribute to the failure of learning process. Understanding the causes assist the teachers to overcome it and achieve the success or good academic performance. However, research on the causes that most contribute to the low English academic performance is limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore the causes that most contribute to low English academic performance of students SMAN 1 Dampal Utara. The researcher applies a qualitative research methodology and the data collection was carried out through questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The analysis revealed that the most contributing causes shared four aspects. First, lack of teaching and learning facilities. Second, teaching strategy. Third, role of parents. Fourth, lack of initial knowledge of English. In this research, the researcher found that school resources, teaching strategy, and role of parents are the most contribute causes of students’ low English academic performance. The findings suggest that teachers should be aware of fun teaching methods. For the principle, should pay attention to the supporting facilities of teaching and learning. Moreover, for those who intend to investigate the same topic, hopefully it can be additional information for them.

Keywords: causes, academic performance, low academic performance, low English academic performance