THE USE OF BRAINWRITING STRATEGY AND PADLET TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' RECOUNT WRITING SKILL AT VIII GRADE OF SMPN 18 BENGKULU TENGAH

Writing is one of the important skills in learning English. However, the students still had
difficulties in writing recount texts. At SMPN 18 Bengkulu Tengah, some students struggled
with grammar, limited vocabulary, and unclear structure in their writing. They also showed low
participation and confidence during learning. This classroom action research aimed to examine
the extent to which the Brainwriting strategy and Padlet improved students’ recount writing
skill. This research also aimed to identify the factors that supported the improvement. The data
were collected through writing tests, observation checklists, field notes, and interviews. The
writing test results were analyzed using a percentage formula based on the Minimum Criteria
of Mastery (score ≥ 75). The qualitative data were analyzed by observing student behavior,
engagement, and responses. In the preliminary data, only 7 out of 16 students (43.75%) reached
the mastery level. After implementing Brainwriting and Padlet in Cycle I, the number of
students who passed increased to 10 students (62.5%). This showed an improvement of 18.75%.
In Cycle II, 13 students (81.25%) achieved the minimum mastery score, which indicated
significant progress. The improvement was influenced by several supporting factors. These
included the use of Brainwriting to guide students in writing step by step, the use of Padlet to
make writing more engaging, increased collaboration in groups, more frequent writing practice,
supportive teacher feedback, and higher student motivation and confidence. In conclusion,
Brainwriting and Padlet were effective strategies to improve recount writing skills in the eighth-
grade students of SMPN 18 Bengkulu Tengah.
Key word : Writing Skill, Brainwriting Strategy, Padlet, Recount Text