An Assessing Speaking Ability: Insights from English Conversation Club among Fifth-Semester Midwifery Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v10i1.6242Abstract
This study explores the speaking abilities of 5th-semester students involved in the English Conversation Club (ECC) within a Midwifery Diploma Study Program. The research focuses on understanding the challenges faced by students in speaking English and evaluating the ECC's contribution to enhancing their speaking skills. The investigation utilized a mixed-methods approach involving qualitative and quantitative data collection.The study found that while most students performed well, as indicated by their scores falling under the "Good" and "Very Good" categories, notable challenges persisted. Students encountered difficulties primarily related to vocabulary limitations, grammar intricacies, a lack of motivation, and psychological factors impacting their speaking performances.Factors influencing speaking abilities were analyzed through student interviews, highlighting vocabulary, grammar, and motivational issues as key hindrances. The ECC program was perceived positively by students, providing an environment conducive to English practice. However, the infrequent use of English beyond the ECC sessions limited its impact on students' overall speaking skills. To improve speaking abilities, interventions emphasizing vocabulary enhancement, grammar proficiency, motivational support, and better preparation strategies were recommended. Further emphasis on consistent English practice outside the ECC was suggested for more comprehensive improvement. In conclusion, while the ECC positively contributed to students' speaking proficiency, challenges related to vocabulary, grammar, motivation, and insufficient practice outside the program persist. Targeted interventions focusing on these areas are crucial to further enhance students' speaking abilities within the Midwifery Diploma Study Program.
Keywords:
Speaking, English Conversation ClubDownloads
References
Bafadal, M. F., & Muslimin, M. (2020). An analysis of students’ speaking ability on specific purpose of learning. Linguistics and ELT Journal, 7(1), 23-40.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2005). Mixed methods research: Developments, debates, and dilemma (pp. 315-26). Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Idayani, A., & Fitri, D. A. (2021). An Analysis Of Students’ Speaking Ability In Retelling Story On Descriptive Text At The Second Grade Students OF SMP YLPI Pekanbaru. Perspektif Pendidikan Dan Keguruan, 12(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.25299/perspektif.2021.vol12(1).6619
Kamridah, A. H. Y., Arafah, B., & Imran, N. (2016). Correlation between level of anxiety and public speaking performance through systematic learning approach in foreign language. Int J Sci Res, 9(5), 1658-63.
Khairani, U., Rusdi, R., & Syafei, A. F. R. (2017). An Analysis of Students’ Speaking Ability in Role Playing Dialogues of Guests Handlingat Vocational High School. Journal of English Language Teaching, 6(1), 70-76.
Kurniawan SY, A. E. (2020). An Analysis Of The Students Ability In Speaking Announcement Text At Tenth Grade Ipa2 In Sma N 5 Merangin Academic Years Of 2019/2020. Selecting, 2(2), 42-48.
Latha, B. M., & Ramesh, P. (2012). Teaching English as a second language: Factors affecting learning speaking skills. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 1(7), 1-6.
Lestari, I. (2018). Analisis Awal Kemampuan Bercerita pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun. JIV-Jurnal Ilmiah Visi, 13(2), 165-177.
Mukammal, M., Priyono, P., & Amrullah, A. (2018). Students English speaking ability. International Research Journal of Engineering, IT and Scientific Research, 4(2), 1-13.
Nurvita, M., Pratolo, B. W., Nuroniah, N. L., & Rizon, Z. (2019). The analysis of senior high school students’ speaking performance. International journal of scientific & technology research, 8(10), 3640-3644.
Rukmaryadi, R. (2020). An Analysis of the Non-English Department Students’ Speaking Ability at Universitas Riau. International Journal of Educational Dynamics, 3(1), 57-62.
Souisa, T. R., & Gaite, C. (2020). Study on Speaking Problems and Psychological Factors Encountered by Students in Developing Their Speaking Skill at SMA Kristen Dobo, Aru District. MATAI: International Journal of Language Education, 1(1), 10-22.
Tridinanti, G. (2018). The correlation between speaking anxiety, self-confidence, and speaking achievement of Undergraduate EFL students of private university in Palembang. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(4), 35-39.
Tuan, H. N., & Mai, T. N. (2015). Factors Affecting Students’speaking Performance At Le Thanh Hien High School. Asian Journal of Educational Research Vol, 3(2), 8-23.
Yee, K. M., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2014). The use of public speaking in motivating ESL learners to overcome speech anxiety. International journal on studies in English language and literature (IJSELL), 2(11), 127-135.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Yulinda Oktaviana Harahap, Yulina Oktaviani Harahap

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
An author who publishes in the Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA agrees to the following terms:
- Author retains the copyright and grants the journal the right of first publication of the work simultaneously licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal
- The author is able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book) with the acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- The author is permitted and encouraged to post his/her work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of the published work