Assessing Speaking Skills in English Matriculation Classes: A Case Study on Challenges and Strategies of MAN 1 Students Blitar
Nurma Atalsa Sofansyah, Siti Mafulah, Yuli Ifana Sari, Onik Faridah Ni^matullah

1English Education Department, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang
2English Education Department, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang
3 4Geography Education Study Program, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang

Abstract

This research revealed two main issues regarding speaking assessment, that is students^ low speaking confidence and low vocabulary mastery. These two issues hampered students in delivering their ideas fluently and do not speak well in the speaking assessment. To solve the problems, the researcher employed some strategies. Using qualitative descriptive approach with 34 students as subject, the data was collected by conducting class observation, conducting interview with English teacher and some students, and analyzing students^ speaking performance tasks. The result showed that some students were reluctant to speak because of fear of making mistakes, lack of self-confidence, and lack of vocabulary. The teacher used three strategies which are providing vocabulary support, conducting group discussion, and providing formative feedback to help students in doing speaking assessments. This research reveals the students^ problems in speaking assessment and the teacher^s strategy in conducting speaking assessments in matriculation class. The teacher^s scaffolding strategy helps students in delivering ideas fluently and speaking well. The result demonstrates the importance of considering both effective and linguistic factors in conducting speaking assessment. The result might be used as the reference for English teacher to conduct better speaking assessment.

Keywords: Speaking Assessment, Matriculation Class, Vocabulary Mastery, Student Confidence, English Language Teaching, Bilingual Education, Teacher Strategies

Topic: Education for sustainable development