An Analysis of Learning Strategy in Improving English Speaking Skill of 11th Grade Students at MAN Insan Cendekia Kota Palu

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the dominant English learning strategies used to improve the speaking skills of grade 11 students and the obstacles they face in improving speaking skills at MAN InsanCendeika Kota Palu. This study used descriptive qualitative method. Data was collected through a questionnaire filled out by grade 11 students of MAN InsanCendekia Kota Palu. There were 32 students who were randomly selected from 4 class XI (XI IPA 1, XI IPA 2, XI IPA 3, and XI IPS) each 8 people per class to fill out the questionnaire. Furthermore, collecting data by conducting interviews with 4 students and also observations as supporting data.

Based on the results of the questionnaire as a whole, students used all strategies according to the theory used in this study. The dominant learning strategy used in improving speaking skills is the Cognitive strategy as evidenced by the results of the largest questionnaire compared to other learning strategies. Cognitive is 43.8%, metacognitive is 40.5% and social affective is 30.7%. Then from the results of interviews regarding students' obstacles in improving speaking skills, it shows that students were afraid to make grammatical mistakes when speaking, they were shy, lack self-confidence and lack of student motivation in speaking related to improving speaking skills. From the data, it can be concluded that cognitive strategy is the dominant English learning strategy used in improving the speaking skills of 11th grade students at MAN InsanCendekia Kota Palu.