NAVIGATING SPEAKING CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF EFL STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES

Randi Saputra, Imam Wahyudi Karimullah

Abstract


This study aims to identify the challenges English Education students face at the Universitas Islam Malang in speaking English and their strategies to overcome them. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive orientation, utilising interviews with four students from the 2022 and 2023 batches. The data obtained were analysed using Miles and Huberman’s data analysis model, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results show that students' main challenges in speaking English include limited vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, lack of self-confidence, and an unsupportive learning environment. Students often experience anxiety and fear of making mistakes when speaking. To overcome these challenges, students use various strategies such as speaking English with friends, family, and teachers, attending English language courses, watching English-speaking tutorials on platforms like YouTube, and expanding their vocabulary through language learning apps. They also work on building their confidence by speaking in front of a mirror and creating a comfortable learning environment. In conclusion, while students face various challenges in speaking English, they can overcome these obstacles by applying effective learning strategies. These findings can serve as a basis for developing more effective teaching methods to improve students’ speaking skills.


Full Text:

Untitled PDF

References


Agus Salim (1), J. (2). (2016). USING CLASSROOM-ENVIRONMENT APPROACH IN DEVELOPING THE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL AT MTS NW TEGAL. Journal of English Language Teaching, 4(4), 2016. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v3i2.2428

Alam, M. R., Ansarey, D., Abdul Halim, H., Rana, M. M., Milon, M. R. K., & Mitu, R. K. (2022). Exploring Bangladeshi university students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in English classes through a qualitative study. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-022-00129-6

Andhara, F. S., & Alfian, A. (2023). Investigating Students’ Motivation to Speak English in the EFL Classroom. EduLine: Journal of Education and Learning Innovation, 3(2), 194–201. https://doi.org/10.35877/454ri.eduline1724

Arianto, R. S., Terbuka, U., Terbuka, U., Islam, U., Sunan, N., & Djati, G. (2023). Lectura : Jurnal Pendidikan. 14, 276–287.

Arifin, Z., Saputra, A. B., & Jaenullah, J. (2024). Web-Based Learning Model (E-Learning) in PAI Learning. Assyfa International of Multidisciplinary Education, 1(2), 153–161. https://doi.org/10.61650/ajme.v1i2.553

Ayiz, A., & Tauchid, A. (2025). Enhancing Public Speaking Skills among EFL Learners through the Peer Teaching Method: A Mixed-Methods Study. ETERNAL (English Teaching Journal), 16(1), 125–137. https://doi.org/10.26877/eternal.v16i1.1124

Azizah, I., & Mardiana, D. (2024). Learning Transformation: Increasing Student Achievement through Discovery Learning. Dirasah International Journal of Islamic Studies, 2(2), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.59373/drs.v2i2.42

Chand, G. B. (2021). Challenges Faced by Bachelor Level Students While Speaking English. IJELTAL (Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics), 6(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v6i1.853

Djuhari, A. R., & Faridah, D. (2024). The Impact of Repetitive Methods to Enhance Students’ Pronunciation in The Post-Pandemic. Journal of English Education Program (JEEP), 11(2), 115. https://doi.org/10.25157/(jeep).v11i2.15476

Fauzi, M. A. R., Azizah, S. A., Nurkholisah, N., Anista, W., & Utomo, A. P. (2023). Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning Berbasis Game Edukatif dalam Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Kognitif Biologi. Jurnal Biologi, 1(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.47134/biology.v1i3.1965

Francis, K., Mutty, B., Kaur, M., Kunalan, R., & Mohd Anis, N. (2020). Undergraduates’ Awareness and Obstacles to English Language Speaking Skills. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 5(34), 176–188. https://doi.org/10.35631/ijepc.5340014

Gilakjani, A. P., Leong, L.-M., & Sabouri, N. B. (2012). A Study on the Role of Motivation in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching. International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, 4(7), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijmecs.2012.07.02

Gunawan, H., & Nurbianta, N. (2020). Upgrading Speaking Ability Through Peer Teaching Technique. Journal of English Education and Linguistics, 1(1), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.56874/jeel.v1i1.47

Hosni, S. Al. (2014). Speaking difficulties encountered by young EFL learners. International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), 2(6), 22–30. www.arcjournals.org

Irsani, N., Laila, N., Hardiana, N. D., Aisyah, N., Harahap, N. H., & Ismahani, S. (2023). The Role of the Surrounding Environment in Improving English Ability and Developing Students’ Vocabulary. Edu Society: Jurnal Pendidikan, Ilmu Sosial Dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 3(2), 1007–1012. https://doi.org/10.56832/edu.v3i2.374

Kashinathan, S., & Abdul Aziz, A. (2021). ESL Learners’ Challenges in Speaking English in Malaysian Classroom. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v10-i2/10355

Sholeha, M. atus, Hamiddin, & Karimullah., I. W. (2023). EFL Students' Speaking Learning Strategies During and After the Pandemic. Jurnal Penelitian, Pendidikan, Dan Pembelajaran, 18(25).

Yunus, M., Efendi, E., Ronald, R., Ubaidillah, M. F., & Lee, H. Y. (2023). Willingness to Communicate in English: An Interview Study with Indonesian Vocational High School Students. Langkawi: Journal of The Association for Arabic and English, 9(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.31332/lkw.v0i0.5921


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.