TENTH-GRADE STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ANXIETY DURING DIALOG PRACTICE AT MA MUHAMMADIYAH 2 YANGGONG

Abstract

Speaking anxiety is a common problem in English language learning. Most students feel anxious when they have to participate in speaking activities, including dialog practice. This study aimed at analyzing the types of anxiety experienced by tenth-grade students at MA Muhammadiyah 2 Yanggong, factors that cause speaking anxiety, and the teacher’s strategies in overcoming students’ speaking anxiety during dialogue practice. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, and interviews. The subjects of this study were tenth-grade students and the English teacher at MA Muhammadiyah 2 Yanggong. Then, the data were analyzed by reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the type of anxiety experienced by students was state anxiety. Researchers found the biggest factors that cause students’ speaking anxiety during dialog practice i.e. limited vocabulary, fear of friends, and lack of motivation. Finally, researchers also found several strategies the English teacher used to overcome students’ speaking anxiety during dialog practice, including providing a warm learning environment, involving students in various learning activities, and using gadgets in learning.