A QUALITATIVE STUDY: TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS IN A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN BATAM CITY

Abstract

This study aims to elaborate on the classroom interactions between an English teacher and seventh-grade students SMP Theodore Batam in teaching-learning English. This study employed a descriptive qualitative study on teacher’s instructions and teacher-student interactions. To analyze the data, some data collection steps were carried out. The researchers used observation, fieldnote and, interview to obtain the data. The results illustrated that the teacher actively involved the students to engage in the learning process. The classroom activities were conducted without any significant problems because the teacher implemented a teaching approach to make the material easier to be learned and the students were cooperative in joining the lesson.  However, it was found that most of the interactions were set up by the teacher. It is important to find a suitable approach and teaching method, so the students will be able to show more confidence in initiating interaction. Furthermore, the teacher should set good time management in applying a specific teaching approach.