Improving Student Social Skills Using Bibliocounseling Techniques During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students' social skills need to be improved. Social distancing implemented due to the pandemic makes it difficult for counselors to provide counseling services directly / face to face. One alternative that can be done by counselors is to provide bibliocounseling techniques. This study aims to improve students' social skills by using bibliocounseling techniques. This research is an experimental research using DesignOne Group Pretest-Posttest. The population in this study was students of the State Islamic Institute (IAIN Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The research sample consisted of 30 students. The samples were taken using the purposive sampling technique. The scale used is the social skills scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis and t-test. Based on data analysis and studies that have been carried out, it was found that the mean pretest score before the intervention was given was 117.43 and was included in the medium category. This score then increased after being given intervention in the form of a bibliocounseling technique, the average posttest score was 136.73 and was in the high category. In hypothesis testing, the probability number Asmyp. Sig. (2-tailed) obtained is 0.000 where this value is below alpha (0.000 < 0.05) with a difference in the mean pretest and posttest scores of 19.3. Based on these data, H1 is accepted. This indicates an increase in students' social skills before and after being treated with bibliocounseling techniques. Knowing the results of the study, it can be concluded that bibliocounseling techniques are effective in improving students' social skills during the COVID-19 pandemic.