PROMOTING SPEAKING SKILLS: INVESTIGATING TEACHING STRATEGIES IN ENGLISH FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM AT SMP NEGERI 1 TIAKUR

Abstract

This study explores the strategies used by English teachers at SMP Negeri 1 Tiakur to enhance students’ speaking skills and examines how the students themselves view the effectiveness of these strategies. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered from two English teachers and a group of Grade 7 and Grade 8 students through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The collected data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns, challenges, and shared perspectives.

The findings show that teachers employed a mix of interactive and communicative strategies, including dialogue practice, short question-and-answer routines, role-plays, group discussions, and student presentations. These were often supported by multimedia resources such as songs, pictures, projectors, and short videos. Students generally reported that these activities helped them become more confident and fluent in speaking English, particularly when teachers gave encouragement, corrected pronunciation gently, and provided useful vocabulary in advance. Nevertheless, some obstacles remained, including limited vocabulary, difficulty with pronunciation of certain words, nervousness when speaking in front of the class, and differences in learning speed among students. Teachers addressed these issues by simplifying materials, adjusting the difficulty of tasks, and creating a friendly classroom atmosphere to reduce speaking anxiety.

Recommendations: The results suggest that English teachers should continue to integrate varied, learner-centered strategies with supportive feedback and engaging media to maintain students’ motivation. School administrators and curriculum planners are encouraged to provide ongoing professional development and adequate classroom resources to strengthen speaking-oriented instruction in junior high schools.