AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING SPEAKING DIFFICULTIES FACED BY ENGLISH TEACHERS IN SMAN 1 LARANTUKA ACADEMIC YEAR OF 2024/2025

Abstrak

This research analyzes the difficulties faced by English teachers at SMAN 1 Larantuka in teaching speaking skills and the strategies they used to overcome these difficulties during the academic year 2024/2025. While the ability to speak English is highly important in the globalization era, its teaching often encounters various difficulties. This study aimed to identify the specific difficulties experienced by the teachers and the strategies applied to address these issues. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, this research involved seven English teachers at SMAN 1 Larantuka as subjects. Data were collected through non-participant classroom observation, structured interviews, and document analysis, such as lesson plans. The findings identified the main difficulties experienced by the English teachers, including: Less Varied Teaching Methods, Suboptimal Use of Learning Media, Limited Learning Time, Curriculum, Unsupportive School Environment, Students’ Fear and Shyness, Lack of Student Self-Confidence, Lack of Motivation Among Students, Students’ Limited Vocabulary, Problem in Students’ Pronunciation, Limited Lesson Plans (RPPs) made by the Teachers. To address these difficulties, the teachers at SMAN 1 Larantuka implemented various strategies, such as: Providing Motivation to Students, Preparing Various Teaching Methods to be Adapted in Class, Pronunciation Practice For Students, Using the In Pairs Method, Providing Opportunities for Students to Speak in Front of the Class, Giving Extra Points as Speaking Motivation, Providing Comprehensive Feedback and Improvement Suggestions, Grouping for Special Guidance, Collaboration of English Teachers in Advanced Level Teaching, Giving Role Play Technique. This research is expected to contribute significantly to the development of more effective and focused learning strategies, as well as provide practical recommendations for teachers and the school to improve the quality of English language teaching, especially in speaking skills, at SMAN 1 Larantuka.