Pratama Priya Pambudi, Sheyra Silvia Siregar, Ria Riski Marsuki

Operative Learning Model Using The 'Snowball Throwing' Method in Teaching Mandarin Vocabulary

Introduction

Operative learning model using the 'snowball throwing' method in teaching mandarin vocabulary. Improve Mandarin reading skills with the 'Snowball Throwing' learning model. This study shows its effectiveness in enhancing high school students' foreign language comprehension and participation.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Snowball Throwing learning model in improving students’ reading skills in Mandarin language classes. The research was conducted at SMA PL Don Bosko Semarang with students of class XII 5 as participants. A quantitative approach was employed using a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected through reading tests administered before and after the application of the learning model. The results showed a significant increase in students’ posttest scores, indicating that the Snowball Throwing model had a positive impact on students' Mandarin reading abilities. The interactive and collaborative nature of the model encouraged active student participation and enhanced comprehension through peer discussion. These findings suggest that Snowball Throwing is an effective strategy for improving reading skills in foreign language learning, particularly in high school settings. reading skills.

Review

This study investigates the application of the 'Snowball Throwing' learning model to enhance Mandarin language proficiency, specifically targeting students' reading skills. Employing a quantitative, one-group pretest-posttest design with students from SMA PL Don Bosko Semarang, the research found a significant improvement in posttest scores after the intervention. The abstract posits that the interactive and collaborative nature of the model, fostering active participation and peer discussion, contributed to these positive outcomes. The initial findings suggest that this active learning strategy holds promise for foreign language instruction, particularly within high school settings. However, it is crucial to note the significant discrepancy between the title, which specifies "teaching Mandarin Vocabulary," and the abstract, which consistently focuses on "improving students’ reading skills." This core inconsistency requires immediate clarification to accurately reflect the study's actual scope and contribution. While the reported positive impact on reading skills is encouraging, the methodological design presents certain limitations. The use of a one-group pretest-posttest design, without a control group, makes it challenging to definitively attribute the observed gains solely to the 'Snowball Throwing' model. Other confounding factors, such as maturation, history effects, or the Hawthorne effect, cannot be entirely ruled out. Furthermore, the abstract lacks crucial details regarding the sample size (number of students in "class XII 5") and the specific duration or intensity of the intervention, which are essential for evaluating the statistical power and generalizability of the findings. A more explicit description of how the 'Snowball Throwing' method was adapted and implemented to target *reading skills* specifically, beyond general interaction, would also strengthen the methodological clarity. Despite these methodological considerations, the study provides preliminary evidence for the potential of collaborative learning models in foreign language acquisition. Future research would benefit from employing a more robust experimental design, such as a randomized controlled trial, to establish stronger causal claims and mitigate potential biases. It would also be valuable to explore the model's effectiveness across other language domains, including the vocabulary skills initially suggested by the title, and to investigate its applicability in different educational contexts or with diverse learner populations. Finally, the authors must address the fundamental discrepancy between the title and abstract, ensuring that the presented scope accurately reflects the research conducted for the benefit of readers and accurate indexing.

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