The Application of Jigsaw II In Teaching Malay Language Composition

Essay writing is the main component of Malay Language subject either at the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM level. Low mastery of writing skills will affect students’ performance in Bahasa Melayu. The implementation of Jigsaw II in Malay language learning is able to help students to master essay writing skills This study aimed to determine the students’ attitudes towards learning Jigsaw II and its impact on their essay writing skills. This quasi-experimental research method involved a sample of 60 respondents; that is 30 people in the control and 30 in the experimental groups. A questionnaire on attitudes and two series of essay writing test before and after the implementation of Jigsaw II were employed. The study found that students showed a positive attitude towards the use of Jigsaw II in teaching and learning. The T-test conducted showed a significant difference between the experimental and the control groups’ performance in writing. The result shows that the Jigsaw II is an effective strategy for teaching and learning essay writing. Findings also shows that it can improve respondents’ cognitive and interpersonal skills.