International Conference on Global Education V

“Global Education, Common Wealth, and Cultural Diversity”

IMPROVE LEARNING MOTIVATION OF STUDENTS IN NATURAL

SCIENCE LESSON USING THE METHOD OF NUMBERED HEADS
TOGETHER IN THE FOURTH GRADE OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
020609 OF BINJAI IN SCHOOL YEAR 2014/2015

Indra Maulana Harahap & Khairunnisa

Graduate Program of Public University of Medan
e-mail: indramaulana014@gmail.com.
e-mail: chanisakhairunnisa@yahoo.com.

ABSTRACT

In this study, the problem under study is the low learning motivation of students
in Natural Science lesson especially in the subject matter of thermal and sound energies
in the fifth grade of Public Primary School 020609 of Binjai. This research was
conducted with the aim to increase the motivation of learning of students with learning
method of Numbered Heads Together (NHT) in the material that has been described
previously, namely thermal and sound energies.
Subjects in this classroom action research are the fourth grade students of Public
Primary School 020609 of Binjai. The research conducted is classroom action research
(CAR). Data collection techniques used is to use observation sheets and questionnaires.
And the results of the study showed that the learning motivation of students has
increased significantly. It can be seen from an average increase in the learning
motivation of students for each cycle. In the initial condition of scores of the learning
motivation of 35 students, there are four (11.42%) who are motivated, and the score of
the learning motivation of students in the first cycle of the first meeting showed an
increase to 11 (31.42%) students who are motivated. Then there was an increase in the
meeting II of cycle I which there are 18 (51.43%) students who are motivated, was also
an increase in the meeting I of cycle II in which there are 26 (74.29%) students who are
motivated, continued in the meeting II of cycle II in which there are 34 (97.15%)
students who are motivated. It can be concluded that the use of the learning method of
Numbered Heads Together can increase the learning motivation of students in the
material of thermal and sound energies in the fourth grade of Public Primary School
020609 of Binjai in School Year 2014/2015. Thus, learning by Numbered Heads
Together can be applied as an alternative to improve the learning motivation of students.

Keywords: Application of Method of NHT, Improve the learning motivation of Student.

INTRODUCTION
Education is a process in order to influence student to be able to adapt as best as
possible to his environment would thus lead to a change in him that allows him to
function in social life as well as a very important thing to equip students for future.
Natural Science is one of the subjects that must be studied in various levels of education
such as elementary, junior high school and senior high school. Natural Science is
knowledge related to objects and events based on observations and experiments around

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us. Discuss and study the Natural Science is not enough just to transfer what's in the
textbooks to learners. Because what is contained in the text books are only one side or
one dimension of Natural Science namely dimension of "products" that have been
arranged completely and systematic. Textbooks are important but there are other sides
of Natural Science is no less important i.e. dimension of "the process".
Low motivation of learning of students in the learning of Natural Science due to
the low quality of learning conducted, less effective learning imetode used in explaining
the learning material. According to the results of interviews with the principal of Public
Primary School 020609 of South Binjai, the tendency of learning motivation of students
to the Natural Science lesson are low. This is due to a lack of effective and varied
teaching methods used by teachers in developing the learning process so that students
only pay attention to the teacher's explanation and very few involve students to interact
with other students. One of the methods that will be carried out and is expected to
overcome the existing problems in this research is to use the learning method of
Numbered Heads Together (NHT). Based on the above background, the researcher is
interested in doing research and asking support from readers to this study with the title:
“Improves Learning Motivation of Students in Natural Science Lesson Using
The Method of Numbered Heads Together in The Fourth Grade of Public Primary
School 020609 of Binjai in School Year 2014/2015”.

A. Identification of Problems
The causes of low learning motivation of students are as follows:
1. This lack of motivation to learn of the students, particularly on the subjects of
Natural Science.
2. Students are less active when learning of Natural Science.
3. Learning methods are applied less varied and less effective in the learning of
Natural Science.
4. Students are only focused on memorization techniques in studying Natural Science.
5. Lack of classroom management and use of facilities made in the implementation of
learning.
B. Formulation of the Problem
The formulation of the problem in this research are: “Is The Method of Numbered
Heads Together (NHT) Can Improve The Learning Motivation of Students in Natural

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Science Lesson Using The Method of Numbered Heads Together in The Fourth Grade
of Public Primary School 020609 of Binjai in School Year 2014/2015”.
C. Research Objectives
The objective of this research are: “To Improve The Learning Motivation of
Students in Natural Science Lesson Using The Method of Numbered Heads Together in
The Fourth Grade of Public Primary School 020609 of Binjai in School Year
2014/2015”.
D. Benefits of Research
1. For Students: it is expected that the students are motivated to learn particular
lessons of Natural Science by using the learning method of Numbered Heads
Together (NHT).
2. For Teachers: as input for teachers of elementary school, especially teachers of
Public Primary School 020609 of Binjai to motivate students in the fourth grade to
study subjects of Natural Science through the application of learning method of
Numbered Heads Together (NHT).
3. For schools: as a matter of study and reverensi in teaching for teachers in schools to
enhance learning motivation of students using the learning method of Numbered
Heads Together (NHT).
4. For researchers: as reverensi material for researchers and other students on the
application of the learning method of Numbered Heads Together (NHT) to
improves learning motivation of students in fourth grade of Primary School.

LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Learning Motivation
Motivation comes from the word 'motive' which can be interpreted as an effort to
encourage someone to do something. Motive can be considered as the driving force
from inside of a person to perform certain activities in order to achieve an objective.
Motive can not be observed directly, but can be interpreted in behavior, namely in the
form of stimulation, encouragement or power generator for the emergence of a certain
behavior.
The notion of motivation according to (Sardiman, 2011: 75) is: "Motivation is a
series of efforts to provide certain conditions so that someone is willing and wants to do

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something, and if he does not like, he will strive to eliminate or promote that feelings of
dislike".
Sardiman statement in line with Mc. Donald, (in Sardiman, 2011: 73) which
specifies that "Motivation is the energy change in a person characterized by the
appearance of a 'feeling' that is preceded by a response to the presence of something of
interest".
Further definition of motivation is "internal and external encouragement to
students who are learning to hold a change of behavior in general". According to (Uno,
2012: 23)
Based on the opinions Sardiman, Mc. Donal (in Sardiman, 2011: 73) and Uno
above, it can be said that the learning motivation is the driving force of the internal or
external nature, which encourages a person to direct behavior to learn that he achieved
the expected results. Therefore, in learning, motivation is very necessary so that the
learning outcomes to be optimal. And it also ensures continuity and provide direction
for the activities of learning, so that the desired objectives can be achieved.
B. Method of Numbered Heads Together
Numbered Heads Together is a series of delivery of materials by using the group
as a forum to unite the perception / thinking of students to the questions posed or
proposed by the teacher. Then it will be accounted for by the student in conformity with
the request of teachers from each group. Thus, in the group, students are given the
respective numbers correspond with the order. Learning techniques of Numbered Heads
Together was developed by Spencer Kagan (1992).
According to (Trianto, 2010: 82) "Numbered Heads Together (NHT) or
numbering thinking together is a kind of learning that is designed to influence the
pattern of interaction of students and as an alternative to the traditional classroom
structure".
Trianto statement also explained that "learning by using Numbered Heads
Together (NHT) started with using Numbering. The teacher divides the class into small
groups". According to (Suprijono, 2009: 92).
Meanwhile, according to (Huda, 2011: 138) Numbered Heads Together (NHT)
has the following specifications: "1) was developed by Russ Frank, 2) provide an
opportunity for students to share ideas and consider the most appropriate response, 3)

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improve the spirit of cooperation of students, 4) can be used for all subjects and grade
levels ".
Based on the opinions Trianto, Suprijono and Huda above, the authors conclude
that Numbered Heads Together (NHT) is learning that encourages students to be more
active and help each other in mastering the subject matter to achieve maximum
performance.
C. Conceptual Framework

 Elicit interest of the students. Atmosphere of learning becomes fun

with the learning media, and the
Numbered  Helping students get the concept / division of the task group
Heads Together
description of clear, precise and
concrete.
 Increase the sense of
Increased student interest
responsibility. Improving the
(Students are interested in
ability to express an idea or learning IPA)
concept.
 Cause a sense of mutual respect

Motivation to learn increases

From the flowchart above, it seems clear that the role held by Numbered Heads
Together in increasing motivation. By using the learning method of Numbered Heads
Together classroom conditions becomes more enjoyable.
D. Hypothesis
To answer the problem in Classroom Action Research, then continue with the
proposed hypothesis is as follows: With the method of Numbered Heads Together
learning motivation of the students could be improved on the subjects of Natural
Science with energy materials and their use specifically in the subject matter of thermal
and sound energies in the fourth grade of Public Primary School 020609 of Binjai in
School Year 2014/2015.
E. Type of Research
This research is a type of classroom action research, or commonly referred to as
CAR, using Numbered Heads Together as the main teaching method.
F. Subjects of Research
Subjects in this class action research are the fourth grade students in Public
Primary School 020609 of South Binjai. The object of this research is the method of
Numbered Heads Together.
G. Research Design

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The study design will be used is based on the method developed by Kemmis and
Mc. Taggart (Rosmala Dewi, 2010: 122). Broadly speaking there are four stages are
implemented in the classroom action research, namely: "1. Planning, 2. Action, 3.
Observation 4. Reflection ".
H. Data Collection Technique
Data collection tools used are:
1. Observation Sheets.
2. Observation.
3. Questionnaire.
I. Data Analysis Technique
The data analysis was conducted to determine the increase in student motivation
by using pembelajran of Numbered Heads Together, and to determine the success or
failure of the action taken. The criteria to determine the increase of the results of
students' learning motivation, among others, is by the formula:

1.

80-100 Learning motivation of students is high

60-79 Learning motivation of students is fair
0-59 Learning motivation of students is less
In this study, the categories of targets to be achieved by the researchers to improve
learning motivation of students is a category of high learning motivation, with a total
score of 80% - 100% of the number of students.
2. The criteria for determining a questionnaire about students' learning is using the
formula:
B
PPA= X 100% according to (Sukardi,2008:147)
N
where :
PPA = Starter percentage of questionnaires (persentase pemulai angket)
B = Score of questionnaire
N = Total score (Dalam Sukardi, 2008:147)
3. To measure the level of students' learning motivation classically the following
formula is used:

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f
P x100%
n
where:
P = Score of motivation
f = the number of students undergoing change
n = the total number of students. (in Dewi 2010: 335)
J. Indicators of Success of Actions
To determine whether the actions taken in the study was successful or not, the
researcher developed a number of indicators of achievement as follows:
At least 80% of students are motivated to increase their learning classically on the
subjects of Natural Science with the material of the energy and its use, especially the
material of thermal and sound energies.

RESULTS OF STUDY AND DISCUSSION

A. Description of Initial Conditions
This research was conducted at the Public Primary School 020609 of South
Binjai, Jalan. Sei Babalan Pujidadi, District of South Binjai, in the fourth grade of the
semester in school year 2014/2015, which amounts to 20 male students and 15 female
students. During the study, the presence of students attempted to reach 100% in order
not to affect the results. The first step taken by researcher is to give licenses for the
conduct of research to the principal, and perform identification and observation in
Public Primary School 020609 of South Binjai.
The study was conducted at the time the students were in class by using tools such
as observation sheet on learning motivation of students and a questionnaire to know the
symptoms of learning motivation of students in the classroom, such as learning
behaviors of students, among others, are diligent and resilient to face the task, showing
high-interest, self-sufficient, able to maintain his opinion and firm establishment, to
cooperate in finding and solving problems, involvement, passion for learning.

B. CYCLE I
Based on the results of observations in cycle I, the researcher reflect on all
activities in cycle I. Only some of students who want to participate in the study, it
appears from only some students who want to work together in discussion groups.

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This is confirmed by the data obtained from the results of observations in cycle
I. Observations on the learning motivation of the students at the meeting 1 of cycle 1 of
the student's motivation, only 31.42% of the students are motivated and at the meeting 2
the learning motivation of students is showed a slight increase to 51.43%. These criteria
are still relatively less and have not been in line with expectations.
For details on the first meeting, 11 students (31.42%) gained criterion of High,
10 students (28.57%) gained criterion of Self, and 14 students (40%) gained criterion of
Less. And in the second meeting, 18 students (51.43%) gained criterion of Appeal, 4
students (11.43%) gained criterion of Self, and 13 students (37.14%) gained criterion of
Less. And through the data on the results of the administration of the questionnaire in
cycle I there are only 15 students with a percentage (42.86%) who motivated by
criterion of High on science subjects, with the acquisition value of the questionnaire is
more than 80, and 12 students with percentage (34.29%) Not Motivated on science
lessons to the criteria of the Fair and the acquisition value of the questionnaire is less
than 80, and 8 students with a percentage (22.85%) are also not motivated in science
subjects with criterion of less with the acquisition value questionnaire is less than 80.
Thus in the implementation of Cycle II is necessary the existence of innovation from the
stages of learning model of Numbered Heads Together (NHT) which can encourage
students to be more active and motivated.

C. CYCLE II
In the second cycle of learning activities undertaken was sufficient and does not
need to be continued in the next cycle. The results of observations of the learning
motivation of students in the first meeting of Cycle II is still relatively Enough with 26
students (74.29%) who got criterion of High, 1 student (2.86%) who got criterion of
Fair, and 8 students (22.85%) who got the criterion of Less. And observations on the
learning motivation of the students at the second meeting of Cycle II have been
classified as High ie 97.15%. These criteria are in accordance with expectations and
should not be continued in the next cycle, with details of 34 students (97.15%)
Motivated to learn with the criteria of High, and one student (2.86%) Not motivated to
learn by gaining criterion of Fair. And through the data from the administration of the
questionnaire is known that 32 students with a percentage (91.43%) who motivated to
learn science with criterion of High, with the acquisition value of the questionnaire

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more than 80, and 3 students with a percentage (8.57%) Not Motivated to study science
subjects with the criteria of Fair and the acquisition value of the questionnaire is less
than 80. Thus it can be stated that the learning motivation of students is increasing in
Science lesson with material of thermal and sound energies by applying the learning
method of Numbered Heads Together (NHT).
97,15%
35 74,29%
30
25 51,43%
20 31,42% Kondisi Awal
15
10 11,43% Siklus I Pertemuan I
5
0 Siklus I Pertemuan II
Kon Siklu Siklu Siklu Siklu
disi s I sI s II s II Siklus II Pertemuan I
Awal Pert Pert Pert Pert
Siklus II Pertemuan II
emu emu emu emu
an I an II an I an II
Jumlah Siswa 4 11 18 26 34

D. Suggestions
1. It is recommended that the teachers of primary school do the teaching by using the
learning method of Numbered Heads Together (NHT) as an alternative in the
learning activities for the learning method of Numbered Heads Together (NHT) can
increase learning motivation of students as well as to train students to learn
actively.
2. Students are expected to be more enthusiasm in learning and are expected to
communicate well, both to teachers and friends.
3. In the early learning teachers should always provide motivation by giving praise to
make students more confidence and enthusiasm in following the lessons in the
classroom.
4. It is also suggested that the implementation of the learning method of Numbered
Heads Together (NHT) not only to science lesson but also on other subjects.

REFRENCES
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Hamzah, B. Uno. 2012. Belajar dengan Pendekatan Paikem. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara.

1804 Universitas Ekasakti, Padang, 10 – 11 April 2017

International Conference on Global Education V
“Global Education, Common Wealth, and Cultural Diversity”

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