Investigating English As A Foreign Language (Efl) Students’ Problems In Learning English Speaking Skills

Zulfana, Izza (2026) Investigating English As A Foreign Language (Efl) Students’ Problems In Learning English Speaking Skills. Undergraduate Thesis thesis, UIN.K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan.

	Text 20522005_Cover_Bab I_Bab V.pdf Download (741kB)
	Text 20522005_Full Text.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB)
	Text 20522005_Lampiran.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (407kB)

Abstract

Speaking is one of the most challenging skills for EFL students because it requires the integration of linguistic and psychological aspects during communication. Many students still experience difficulties in speaking English, which may affect their participation and confidence in speaking activities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the speaking problems experienced by EFL students and explore the strategies they use to overcome these problems in learning English speaking skills. This study employed a qualitative approach with a narrative inquiry design. The participants were active EFL students in the English Language Education Study Program at one of the universities in Pekalongan and were selected using purposive sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and speaking video observation. The findings reveal that students experienced both linguistic and psychological problems in learning English speaking skills. Linguistic problems included vocabulary limitation, pronunciation difficulties, grammatical errors, and fluency problems, while psychological problems involved anxiety and lack of confidence. To overcome these speaking problems, students applied several strategies, including independent speaking practice such as self-talk, reading aloud, exposure to English content, and practicing through interaction with peers or others. These strategies helped students become more familiar with speaking English and gradually strengthen their confidence in speaking. Thus, understanding students’ speaking experiences and strategies is important in supporting more effective English speaking learning practices in EFL contexts. As a recommendation, future researchers are encouraged to explore speaking problems and learning strategies in broader educational contexts and with more diverse participants.

Actions (login required)

View Item