Menulis background of study menjadi salah satu tahap penting dalam menyusun artikel ilmiah berbahasa Inggris. Bagian ini bukan sekadar menjelaskan topik penelitian, tetapi perlu menunjukkan masalah, penelitian terdahulu, research gap, hingga alasan mengapa penelitian baru perlu dilakukan. Background yang tersusun secara runtut juga membantu reviewer memahami posisi dan kontribusi penelitian sejak bagian awal artikel.
Dalam publikasi jurnal terakreditasi SINTA, proses peer review sebenarnya dilakukan oleh masing-masing jurnal, bukan oleh SINTA secara langsung. Karena itu, tidak ada satu format background yang otomatis menjamin artikel diterima. Namun, penulis dapat meningkatkan kualitas manuskrip dengan membuat latar belakang yang argumentatif, didukung referensi relevan, memiliki research gap yang jelas, serta menunjukkan tujuan dan kontribusi penelitian.
Apa Itu Background of Study?
Background of study adalah bagian dalam karya atau artikel ilmiah yang memberikan konteks mengenai masalah yang akan diteliti. Bagian ini membantu pembaca memahami alasan suatu penelitian dilakukan dan hubungannya dengan penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya.
Dalam artikel ilmiah berbahasa Inggris, background biasanya menjadi bagian dari Introduction. Penulis tidak cukup hanya memberikan definisi mengenai topik, tetapi juga perlu membangun argumentasi mengenai pentingnya penelitian.
Secara sederhana, struktur yang dapat digunakan adalah:
General Context → Specific Problem → Previous Studies → Research Gap → Novelty → Research Objective
Dengan pola tersebut, pembahasan bergerak dari masalah yang luas menuju fokus penelitian secara lebih spesifik.
Unsur Penting dalam Background of Study
Sebelum melihat contoh, terdapat beberapa unsur yang sebaiknya diperhatikan ketika menulis background artikel ilmiah.
1. General Context
Bagian awal memperkenalkan topik utama dan menjelaskan mengapa topik tersebut penting untuk diteliti.
2. Specific Problem
Setelah konteks umum dijelaskan, pembahasan diarahkan pada permasalahan tertentu yang menjadi fokus penelitian.
3. Previous Studies
Penulis kemudian menunjukkan penelitian sebelumnya yang berkaitan dengan topik. Referensi ini diperlukan untuk memperlihatkan bahwa penelitian dibangun berdasarkan literatur ilmiah yang relevan.
4. Research Gap
Research gap menunjukkan bagian yang belum dijelaskan, belum diuji, atau masih terbatas dalam penelitian sebelumnya.
Beberapa ungkapan yang sering digunakan antara lain:
- However, previous studies have mainly focused on…
- Nevertheless, limited attention has been given to…
- Few studies have investigated…
- Despite these findings, little is known about…
5. Novelty dan Research Objective
Pada bagian akhir, penulis dapat menunjukkan kontribusi atau kebaruan penelitian sekaligus menyampaikan tujuan penelitian secara jelas.
1. Contoh Background of Study tentang AI dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris
Topik pertama membahas penggunaan kecerdasan buatan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Inggris.
Contoh:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly been integrated into educational practices, including English language learning. AI-powered tools can provide students with immediate feedback, personalized learning materials, and opportunities to practice their language skills independently. These developments have encouraged educators and researchers to explore the potential of AI in supporting English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning.
Previous studies have investigated the use of AI-based applications in language education, particularly for writing assistance, vocabulary development, and automated feedback. However, limited attention has been given to how university students use generative AI tools to improve their English academic writing skills in specific EFL contexts.
Therefore, this study aims to investigate students’ use of generative AI in English academic writing and examine its perceived benefits and challenges. The findings are expected to provide insights into the appropriate integration of AI tools in EFL writing instruction.
Mengapa struktur ini baik?
Background dimulai dari perkembangan AI secara umum, kemudian dipersempit ke pembelajaran EFL. Setelah penelitian terdahulu disebutkan, penulis menunjukkan gap mengenai penggunaan generative AI untuk academic writing pada konteks tertentu.
2. Contoh Background of Study tentang TikTok dan Vocabulary
Media sosial juga dapat menjadi topik penelitian pendidikan bahasa Inggris, terutama ketika dikaitkan dengan kebiasaan belajar siswa.
Contoh:
Social media platforms have become an important part of students’ daily activities. Among these platforms, TikTok has gained considerable popularity because it provides short and engaging video content covering various topics, including educational materials. In English language learning, TikTok may expose students to new vocabulary through audiovisual content.
Several studies have explored the educational potential of social media for language learning. Some findings indicate that short-form video content can increase students’ engagement and provide additional opportunities to encounter English vocabulary outside the classroom. However, studies examining the relationship between students’ use of English educational content on TikTok and their vocabulary development remain limited in particular educational contexts.
Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the use of TikTok as a supplementary medium for English vocabulary learning. It also seeks to explore students’ perceptions of TikTok-based vocabulary learning and the potential benefits of incorporating short-form video content into English instruction.
Poin penting:
Penulis tidak langsung menyatakan TikTok efektif. Background membangun argumentasi mulai dari popularitas media sosial, potensi penggunaannya dalam pendidikan, penelitian sebelumnya, hingga bagian yang masih perlu diteliti.
3. Contoh Background of Study tentang Speaking Anxiety
Speaking anxiety merupakan salah satu topik yang banyak digunakan dalam penelitian EFL karena kemampuan berbicara melibatkan faktor linguistik sekaligus psikologis.
Contoh:
Speaking is an essential skill in English language learning because it enables learners to communicate their ideas, opinions, and information directly. Nevertheless, many EFL students experience difficulties when they are required to speak English in classroom activities. One factor that may influence their speaking performance is foreign language anxiety.
Previous research has identified several factors associated with speaking anxiety, including fear of making mistakes, limited vocabulary, lack of confidence, and concern about negative evaluation. Although speaking anxiety has been widely investigated, students from different educational environments may experience different sources and levels of anxiety.
Therefore, further investigation is needed to understand speaking anxiety within specific learning contexts. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to students’ English-speaking anxiety and examine how these factors influence their participation in classroom speaking activities.
Poin penting:
Research gap tidak harus berarti belum pernah ada penelitian sama sekali. Gap juga dapat berasal dari perbedaan populasi, lokasi, tingkat pendidikan, metode, atau konteks pembelajaran.
4. Contoh Background of Study tentang Digital Learning dan Writing Skill
Perkembangan pembelajaran digital memberikan banyak peluang penelitian dalam bidang English writing.
Contoh:
The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way students learn and practice English. Various digital platforms provide learners with opportunities to access learning resources, collaborate with peers, receive feedback, and practice writing beyond traditional classroom settings.
Previous studies have reported the potential benefits of digital learning tools for English writing instruction. Digital platforms may facilitate collaborative writing, feedback, and revision activities. However, the effectiveness of these tools may depend on students’ digital literacy, learning strategies, teacher guidance, and the way technology is integrated into classroom instruction.
Despite growing interest in digital learning, further research is required to understand how particular digital learning activities support students’ writing development in specific EFL classrooms. Therefore, this study aims to examine students’ experiences with digital learning in English writing activities and identify the perceived benefits and challenges associated with its implementation.
Poin penting:
Contoh tersebut tidak hanya membahas bahwa teknologi berkembang pesat, tetapi menghubungkannya dengan masalah yang lebih spesifik, yaitu penggunaannya dalam pembelajaran writing.
5. Contoh Background of Study tentang Students’ Motivation
Motivasi merupakan faktor yang sering dibahas dalam pembelajaran bahasa karena dapat berkaitan dengan keterlibatan siswa dalam proses belajar.
Contoh:
Motivation plays an important role in foreign language learning because it can influence learners’ willingness to participate in learning activities and maintain their learning efforts. In EFL contexts, students may have different motivations for learning English, such as academic achievement, future employment, international communication, or personal interests.
Previous studies have discussed various forms of motivation and their relationship with language learning. Nevertheless, motivation can vary depending on learners’ educational backgrounds, learning environments, goals, and experiences. Therefore, findings from one educational context may not fully represent students in another context.
Considering these differences, investigating students’ motivation within a specific educational setting remains relevant. This study aims to identify the major factors influencing students’ motivation to learn English and explore how these factors relate to their engagement in English learning activities.
Poin penting:
Topik motivasi sudah banyak diteliti. Oleh sebab itu, penulis perlu berhati-hati ketika membuat research gap. Jangan hanya menulis “there are no previous studies” tanpa melakukan kajian literatur yang memadai.
6. Contoh Background of Study tentang Project-Based Learning dan Speaking Skill
Contoh terakhir menggunakan metode pembelajaran Project-Based Learning (PjBL) yang dikaitkan dengan kemampuan berbicara bahasa Inggris.
Contoh:
Developing speaking skills requires students to have sufficient opportunities to use English for meaningful communication. However, classroom speaking activities may sometimes provide limited opportunities for students to participate actively, particularly when learning is dominated by teacher-centered instruction.
Project-Based Learning (PjBL) is an instructional approach that engages students in completing meaningful projects through collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Previous studies have suggested that project-based activities can encourage students to participate more actively in language learning. Nevertheless, the implementation and outcomes of PjBL may differ depending on the type of project, student characteristics, instructional procedures, and educational context.
Therefore, further research is needed to examine how Project-Based Learning can be implemented in particular EFL speaking classrooms. This study aims to investigate the implementation of PjBL in speaking activities and explore its potential contribution to students’ classroom participation and speaking development.
Poin penting:
Background menghubungkan masalah berupa terbatasnya kesempatan berbicara dengan PjBL sebagai pendekatan pembelajaran yang layak diteliti. Penulis tetap perlu membuktikan gap tersebut menggunakan literatur yang relevan.
Template Background of Study Bahasa Inggris
Selain enam contoh di atas, penulis dapat menggunakan kerangka berikut sebagai dasar. Bagian dalam tanda kurung perlu disesuaikan dengan penelitian masing-masing.
Paragraf 1 – General Context
In recent years, [topic] has received increasing attention in the field of [research field]. This issue is particularly important because [reason]. In the context of [specific context], [explain the phenomenon].
Paragraf 2 – Previous Studies
Several previous studies have investigated [topic]. Previous research has shown that [major findings]. These findings suggest that [interpretation].
Paragraf 3 – Research Gap
However, previous studies have mainly focused on [previous focus], while limited attention has been given to [your focus]. Furthermore, little is known about [specific problem] in the context of [research setting].
Paragraf 4 – Objective
Therefore, this study aims to investigate [research focus]. Specifically, the study seeks to examine [objective 1] and [objective 2]. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of [expected contribution].
Kesalahan yang Perlu Dihindari Saat Menulis Background of Study
Terlalu Banyak Memberikan Definisi
Background tidak perlu dipenuhi definisi dari berbagai ahli. Gunakan definisi hanya ketika memang diperlukan untuk memperjelas konsep utama.
Research Gap Tidak Jelas
Kalimat seperti “This topic is important to study” belum menunjukkan gap penelitian. Jelaskan secara spesifik apa yang masih terbatas dari penelitian sebelumnya.
Mengklaim Belum Pernah Diteliti
Hindari klaim seperti:
No researchers have ever investigated this topic.
Klaim tersebut sangat kuat dan sulit dibuktikan. Pilihan yang lebih hati-hati adalah:
Limited studies have investigated this issue within the context of…
Namun, kalimat tersebut tetap harus didukung hasil penelusuran literatur.
Referensi Terlalu Lama
Gunakan kombinasi penelitian fundamental dan penelitian terbaru yang relevan. Literatur terbaru penting terutama untuk topik yang berkembang cepat seperti AI, media sosial, dan teknologi pembelajaran.
Tidak Menghubungkan Previous Study dengan Research Gap
Jangan membuat daftar penelitian terdahulu tanpa menjelaskan hubungan antarpublikasi. Bandingkan temuan, konteks, metode, atau keterbatasannya sehingga pembaca memahami dari mana gap penelitian muncul.
Tips Membuat Background of Study Lebih Kuat untuk Jurnal Terakreditasi SINTA
Pertama, tentukan masalah penelitian sebelum mulai menulis. Background akan lebih mudah disusun apabila penulis sudah mengetahui pertanyaan utama yang ingin dijawab.
Kedua, lakukan pencarian literatur melalui sumber akademik yang relevan. Prioritaskan artikel jurnal yang berhubungan langsung dengan variabel, populasi, metode, dan konteks penelitian.
Ketiga, jangan sekadar mengutip penelitian terdahulu. Lakukan sintesis dengan membandingkan temuan beberapa penelitian untuk menunjukkan perkembangan pengetahuan sekaligus persoalan yang belum terjawab.
Keempat, pastikan terdapat hubungan logis antara problem, previous studies, research gap, novelty, dan research objective. Tujuan penelitian pada akhir background seharusnya muncul secara alami dari gap yang telah dijelaskan.
Kelima, sesuaikan struktur dengan author guidelines jurnal tujuan. Setiap jurnal dapat memiliki aturan berbeda mengenai panjang artikel, sistem sitasi, struktur Introduction, jumlah referensi, dan format manuskrip.
Keenam, hindari menjanjikan bahwa struktur tertentu akan membuat artikel otomatis diterima. Reviewer biasanya menilai manuskrip secara keseluruhan, termasuk relevansi topik, kualitas metode, analisis data, kontribusi ilmiah, penggunaan referensi, serta kesesuaian artikel dengan scope jurnal.
