CHALLENGES IN SPEAKING SKILLS OF STUDENTS AT B ENGLISH CENTER

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore challenges in English speaking skills encountered by a group of students at B English center. In this study, the reasons for difficulties in English speaking skills and the effects of these challenges on their speaking skills were investigated. This paper took the form of quantitative research with the use of a questionnaire. The statistical analyses showed that students at B English center had a number of challenges in English speaking skills, including pronunciation, listening, grammar and vocabulary. Moreover, findings suggest that they lacked confidence, maintained high anxiety or lacked opportunities for communicating in English outside the classroom. In addition, the results of the study reveal that these challenges affected negatively on their English performance and the target of learning the language as well as their motivation. Findings suggest that teachers may encourage students to overcome challenges in English speaking skills through the employment of interesting activities, which possibly provide students with more opportunities to practice English.