OPTIMIZING WRITING INSTRUCTION THROUGH THE INTEGRATION OF CHATGPT AS AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING TOOL IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Abstract

This  study  aims  to  optimize  the  management  of  writing 
instruction in Junior High Schools (SMP) through the use of ChatGPT as 
an interactive, artificial intelligence (AI)-based medium. Writing skills, 
particularly  in  English,  are  an  essential  part  of  students'  literacy 
development, supporting global communication skills, critical thinking, 
and  academic  achievement.  Unfortunately,  many  junior  high  school 
students still face difficulties in expressing ideas in writing, constructing 
proper sentence structures, and using correct grammar. ChatGPT, as a 
generative AI model, offers a more adaptive and personalized learning 
approach. This technology allows students to interact directly  with an 
intelligent  system  that  can  provide  feedback  on  their  writing,  suggest 
improvements, and help enrich their ideas. This research adopts a true 
experimental  approach  with  a  pre-test  post-test  control  group  design 
involving  two  junior  high  schools  in  Sidoarjo  Regency.  One  group  of 
students used a ChatGPT-based interactive writing model (experimental 
group), while the other group used conventional methods (control group). The  instruments  used  included  observation, writing  tests  (pre-test  and 
post-test),  teacher  interviews,  student  questionnaires,  and  learning 
documentation.  Data  analysis  showed  that  the  experimental  group 
experienced  a  significantly  greater  improvement  in  writing  ability 
compared  to  the  control  group.  The  average  pre-test  score  of  the 
experimental group was 63.5 and increased to 81.2 in the post-test (a 
17.7-point gain), while the control group only improved from 64.1 to 71.3 
(a 7.2-point gain). An independent t-test confirmed that this difference was  statistically  significant.  Furthermore,  based  on  the  questionnaire, 
students reported that ChatGPT was very helpful in generating writing 
ideas (86%), correcting grammar (91%), increasing confidence (78%), 
and boosting enthusiasm for writing (84%). This study demonstrates that 
the  use  of  ChatGPT  can  be  an  innovative  solution  for  enhancing  the 
management of writing instruction and improving literacy skills among 
junior high school students.