What Speaking Strategies are Used by High-Proficient EFL Students? A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract: Extensive research on language learning strategies has been performed. However, little has been known about the strategy implemented by students with high proficiency situated at a private university. Using a case study design, this research aimed to investigate the speaking strategies used by high-proficient EFL students. The study was carried out in the English Education department of a private university in Malang. It involved three university students recruited based on two criteria such as having the highest achievement scores in speaking classes and having actively participated in debating championships. Using semi-structured interviews, the participating students were asked what strategies they use and how the strategies help improve their speaking skills. To analyze the data, the researcher used thematic analysis following the steps proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006) that provides a six-phase guide such as (1) Getting acquainted with the information, (2) creating coding categories, (3) taking a glance for topics, (4) evaluation topics (5) Create topics and (6) Write up, to ensure the study's credibility. The analysis reveals that students dominantly used two kinds of strategies such as memory strategy and social strategy. The memory strategies were used to practice individually to remember, memorize, and understand the material by recording important information, frequently reviewing information, and taking note of the important points, and social strategy was used to interact with others. By knowing this, English teachers could transform and teach the strategies effectively to low-proficient students.

Keywords: online learning, gamification, learning motivation.