DOMINANT FACTORS TO IMPROVE SPEAKING ABILITIES: EFL STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Speaking is one of the most valuable skills of the English language, because it is a basic tool for discussion. Therefore, speaking is recognized as an integral part of language skills that requires students to become competent through training and practice. Furthermore, students have a perception of dominant factors to improve speaking ability, students’ perception is the aspect of the learning process, as it can affect their attitude toward learning and their understanding, to improve speaking ability there are several factors including daily exercise, listening to English music, environment or community, motivation to learn. Therefore, in connection with the importance of mastering English speaking skills, the researcher aims to investigate students' perceptions of the dominating factors for improving English speaking skills. In this study, the researcher used a qualitative approach with a case study design. The participants used by the researcher were 4 students who had participated in English competitions, such as English debate. The instrument used by this researcher was a semi-structured interview. The findings of this study show there are several factors that can affect English speaking skills when learners practice with friends or partners, learners can also practice alone, and learners are able to hone their brain and tongue when speaking in front of many people besides that they also become more confident, as well as by balancing input and output, learning and listening are balanced with speaking English. The most dominating factors in honing English speaking skills is by doing regular practice, joining an environment or community that motivates/supports learning English, and also the use of media, participants said that these factors are very influential in honing their skills to be better than before.

Keywords: Speaking Ability, Dominant Factors, Students’ Perspective