Students’ Perceptions on Using Group Assignment in Efl Classrooms

Studies have repeatedly revealed that the use of group assignment in studying English while learning process created enjoyable atmosphere, also promoted better students outcomes. This study was carried out to explore students’ perceptions on using group assignment in learning English. Secondary students at SMP Negeri 1 Lhoong had difficulties in understanding and shared opinion while learning English lesson. This study addressed the following research questions: (1) what are the students’ perceptions on using group assignment, and (2) what are the problems encountered by students in doing group assignment. To do so, mixed method was used. Questionnaires and interview of 8 participants were used as the instruments to collect data. The results show that there are different but not significantly between students in class VIII-Unggul and VIII-Regular perceptions on using group assignment and problems in doing group assignment. It showed based on highest means students’ perceptions on using group assignment for class VIII-Unggul (4.60) and class VIII-Regular (4.32). Generally most questions have high means, this mean using group assignment while studying English has positive effects on students, even though not all students agreed with it. Additionally, they felt that they are several problems in doing assignment, including noisiness, less respect of group members’ opinions, less cooperation between group members, and less participation of group members in doing assignment.