USING THE BUSUU APPLICATION LANGUAGE LEARNING TO IMPROVE ENGLISH LISTENING SKILL FOR THE EIGHT-GRADE OF MTs NEGERI 1 PONTIANAK

Abstract

Jumiarti Sulastri. 2025. Using the Busuu application language Learning to Improve English Listening Skill for the eight-grade of MTs Negeri 1 Pontianak. Thesis (S1) English Tadris Study Program (TBI). Teacher Training and Tarbiyah Faculty (FTIK). Pontianak State Islamic Institute (IAIN). Advisor I: Sulaiman, M. Pd. Advisor II: Nanik Shobikah, M. Pd This study aims to analyze the effectiveness, practicality, and advantages and disadvantages of the Busuu application in improving English listening skills among eighth-grade students at MTs Negeri 1 Pontianak. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, involving an experimental group taught using the Busuu application and a control group taught using conventional methods. The findings revealed a significant improvement in the listening skills of students in the experimental group. The average pre-test score increased from 40.3 to 75.1 in the post-test, while the control group improved from 51.7 to 74.4. The data analysis using Independent Samples t Test and Paired Samples t-Test (SPSS IBM 27) showed statistically significant differences, especially in the experimental group. In terms of practicality, the implementation of the Busuu application was found to be user friendly and engaging, with students showing a high level of motivation and interest during the learning process. However, limited access to advanced features in the free version posed challenges. The study also identified several advantages, such as interactive materials, level-based content, and native speaker features, as well as disadvantages, including restricted features in the free version and content overload for lower-level learners. Therefore, the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected and the alternative hypothesis (H₁) is accepted, indicating that the use of the Busuu application has a significant and practical impact on students’ listening skills. It can be concluded that Busuu is an effective and reasonably practical learning medium, although certain limitations need to be considered