THE BENEFITS OF GROUP DISCUSSION FOR STUDENTS’ INTERPERSONAL SKILL
Abstract
Almost all of the teachers of English Language Education Department at a private University in Yogyakarta used a group discussion in the classroom. This study aims to explore the benefits of group discussion for students’ interpersonal skill. The data were gathered from the students of English Language Education Department at a private University in Yogyakarta. Four third-year students became the participants of this study. A descriptive qualitative research design was used as a research method of this study. The data were gathered through the interview. The result shows that the students obtain some benefits from discussion for their interpersonal skill. Most of the students also stated that group discussion helps them to develop their interpersonal skill. There are eight finding of this research that is: improve oral communication skill, learn nonverbal communication, respect others by listening, do assertive communication, open toward students’ diversity, collaborate with others, adapt with others, build trust in others, and influence others. Moreover, interpersonal skill has various types. In summary, group discussion in EFL classrooms helps students to develop their interpersonal skill.