<![CDATA[This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group counseling using discussion techniques in improving the interpersonal communication of tenth-grade students at MA Jeumala Amal Pidie Jaya. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group design was employed. The sample consisted of 16 students with low interpersonal communication scores, selected through purposive sampling and divided into an experimental group (n = 8) and a control group (n = 8). Data were collected using a 48-item interpersonal communication questionnaire based on five indicators: openness, empathy, supportiveness, positiveness, and equality using a Guttman scale (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.908). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Mann Whitney U Test. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group's interpersonal communication scores following the intervention (Z = -2.524, p = 0.012, r = 0.89), while the control group showed no significant change (Z = -1.472, p = 0.141, r = 0.52). The between-group comparison confirmed that the improvement in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group (Z = -3.371, p = 0.001, r = 0.84). Gains were observed across all five indicators, with the largest improvement in equality (+66.67 percentage points) and the smallest in supportiveness (+48.61 percentage points). These findings indicate that group counseling using discussion techniques is an effective strategy for improving students' interpersonal communication. The approach can therefore be adopted by school counselors as part of guidance and counseling services.]]>
