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Journal : Austronesian: Journal of Language Science

An Analysis of Students’ Speaking Performance Difficulties in Video Task at 8th Grade of SMPN 3 Ampek Angkek Abdillah, Muhammad; Syahrul, Syahrul; Irwandi, Irwandi; Syafitri, Widya
Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature
Publisher : CV Wahana Publikasi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59011/austronesian.5.1.2026.152-164

Abstract

Student video-based tasks have become an essential medium in language learning, particularly in improving students’ speaking performance, as they provide opportunities to practice pronunciation, fluency, and confidence through recording, reviewing, and refining speech. Despite these benefits, preliminary research at SMPN 3 Ampek Angkek revealed that many students experienced difficulties when completing video-based speaking tasks, including pronunciation errors, low confidence, nervousness, and lack of fluency. Some students appeared hesitant, avoided eye contact, spoke in a low tone, and struggled with articulation and clarity. This study employed a qualitative research design to explore these problems in depth, using observations and structured interviews as data collection methods. The data were obtained from students’ video assignments and interviews with students who experienced speaking difficulties. The findings indicated that three main factors contributed to students’ speaking problems: inhibition, nothing to say, and mother tongue interference. Inhibition was reflected in students’ anxiety, fear of making mistakes, and lack of self-confidence, which caused them to limit their speech and hesitate while speaking. The “nothing to say” factor was evident in students’ limited vocabulary mastery and insufficient understanding of the given topics, resulting in frequent pauses and disrupted fluency. Meanwhile, mother tongue interference negatively affected students’ pronunciation and sentence patterns and led to frequent code-switching between English and their first language. These findings suggest that teachers need to provide more structured speaking practice, strengthen students’ vocabulary and topic comprehension, apply confidence-building strategies, and offer focused pronunciation training to improve students’ speaking performance in video-based speaking tasks.
Students’ Perception on the English for Economics Course: An ESP-Based Study Mubaraqah, Husnil; Syafitri, Widya; Safitri, Loli; Irwandi, Irwandi
Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature
Publisher : CV Wahana Publikasi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59011/austronesian.5.1.2026.82-93

Abstract

This study examines students’ perceptions of the English for Economics course at the Faculty of Economics, Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, Indonesia, within the framework of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The study aims to investigate students’ perceptions regarding the course’s relevance to academic and professional preparation. A quantitative descriptive design was employed using a survey approach. Data were collected from 89 fifth-semester Islamic Economics students through a 41-item closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaire. The instrument was validated using Aiken’s V coefficient and demonstrated strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.875. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to determine frequency distributions and perception categories. The findings indicate that students generally hold positive perceptions of the course. Approximately 85.4% of respondents perceived the course as relevant, with 79.8% confirming academic relevance and 77.5% acknowledging career relevance. In terms of language skill development, speaking showed the highest perceived improvement (67.4%), followed by listening (65.1%), reading (64.0%), and writing (61.1%). Overall, 84.3% of students reported positive perceptions of the English for Economics course. These results suggest that the course effectively operationalizes ESP principles by aligning instructional objectives with students’ disciplinary and professional needs. However, the unequal distribution of perceived skill development, particularly the comparatively lower improvement in writing, highlights the necessity for more systematic writing instruction and a more balanced pedagogical integration across language skills. In conclusion, the course is pedagogically effective; however, targeted instructional refinement is required to promote comprehensive language competence among economics students.
Improving English Vocabulary of the Fifth Grade Students at Santa Monica Elementary School Through YouTube English Songs Pasaribu, Valentina Prawita Angkasa; Millah, Roihatul; Syafitri, Widya
Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Austronesian: Journal of Language Science & Literature
Publisher : CV Wahana Publikasi

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59011/austronesian.5.1.2026.122-133

Abstract

This study examines the use of YouTube English Songs as a digital learning resource to enhance English vocabulary among fifth-grade students at Santa Monica Elementary School. Vocabulary mastery is a crucial component in English language learning, as it directly affects students’ ability to communicate and comprehend meaning. However, many students demonstrated limited vocabulary due to low engagement and passive participation during learning activities. This study aims to implement and evaluate YouTube English Songs as an instructional tool to improve students’ vocabulary. A Classroom Action Research (CAR) design with a qualitative approach was employed, involving 20 fifth-grade students across two cycles, each comprising the stages of planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through observation and pre-test and post-test instruments. The findings revealed that the use of YouTube English Songs significantly increased students’ engagement and motivation. Collaborative singing activities led to a substantial improvement in vocabulary knowledge, with average scores rising from 66.45 in the pre-test to 74.45 after Cycle 1, and further to 90.4 after Cycle 2. Challenges encountered included time management and the selection of songs aligned with learning themes. These findings indicate that learning vocabulary through English songs is an effective and enjoyable strategy that offers a dynamic alternative to conventional teaching methods. Educators are encouraged to integrate digital learning resources into their instructional practices, and further research is recommended to explore this approach across different educational contexts.