LUNAR (Language and Ar.
ISSN: 2541-6804 Vol.
8 No.
1 May 2024 The Impact of Greeting Cards on Enhancing Students' Speaking Proficiency: A Qualitative Study in Class Vi E of SMPN 2 Bengkulu City Roza Apriani1 .
Ivan Achmad Nurcholis 2 English Language Education Study Program.
Teaching Faculty and Educational Sciences.
Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu rozaapriani2002@gmail.
ABSTRACT
The use of language as a means of communication inherently entails encountering obstacles, particularly in mastering spoken expression for effective comprehension.
Thus, the acquisition of language skills demands inventive approaches to instruction.
This research endeavors to enhance studentsAo motivation and proficiency in English speaking by introducing Greeting Card Media in the educational setting of Class Vi E at SMP Negeri 2 Bengkulu City.
The research adopted a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing Classroom Action Research and a case study design.
The study involved 34 students from Class Vi E as participants.
Pre-test and post-test assessments were employed as research instruments, revealing an average pre-test score 56 and a post-test score of 87.
These results underscore the efficacy of greeting cards in enhancing studentsAo speaking proficiency.
Among the 34 students engaged in English language learning, the integration of greeting cards as a pedagogical tool proved The findings demonstrate a notable increase in studentsAo speaking motivation during English lessons, as evidenced by the transition from an initial average motivation score of 59.
56 to a post-test score of 87.
21, affirming the positive impact of greeting card media on language acquisition and student engagement.
Keywords: language, speaking and greeting cards.
Introduction Language, as a pivotal instrument for global communication, facilitates the exchange of thoughts and knowledge across diverse cultural landscapes and societies (Sari, 2.
In cross-cultural interactions, proficiency in the native language of the interlocutor enhances the fluidity of communication, fostering mutual understanding.
However.
English universal medium, transcending linguistic barriers and enabling seamless dialogue (Desmayani, 2.
The imperative of English proficiency is evident in its omnipresence across formal institutions, primary schools, and online learning platforms.
Mastery of English encompasses proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, serving as the bedrock of Page | 1 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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Nonetheless, it is through interactive discourse that individuals refine their linguistic capabilities, particularly in oral expression (Desmayani, 2.
Oral proficiency stands as the cornerstone of English language acquisition, wielding a transformative influence on learnersAo linguistic competence (Yuneva, 2.
Communication through speech is a ubiquitous human activity, intricately woven into the fabric of daily interactions, enabling individuals to articulate thoughts and emotions (Armasita, 2.
Proficiency in spoken English transcends mere linguistic prowess, permeating various facets of life, from securing employment opportunities to fostering effective interpersonal relationships within professional, academic, and social spheres.
Central to the facilitation of language learning is the role of instructional media, which serves as a catalyst for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes (Rosyada, 2.
Recognizing the pivotal role of media in language acquisition, educators leverage diverse pedagogical tools to cultivate studentsAo enthusiasm for learning English.
Among these tools, greeting cards emerge as a creative and versatile medium for language instruction.
Greeting cards represent a dynamic platform for English language learning, encapsulating sentiments and expressions within a tangible format (Febrianor, 2.
Whether crafted for formal occasions or personal correspondence, these cards serve as conduits for linguistic practice and cultural exchange.
Students are afforded the opportunity to explore various themes and occasions, such as birthdays, congratulatory messages, and expressions of gratitude, thereby expanding their vocabulary and communicative repertoire.
Through the creation and exchange of greeting cards, learners engage in meaningful language activities that foster linguistic proficiency and cultural appreciation.
It's evident that many students encounter challenges in acquiring proficiency in spoken English, as observed firsthand during the author's investigation at SMPN 2 Bengkulu City, particularly among eighth-grade students (Class Vi E).
These difficulties stem from English being a foreign language with distinct pronunciation from Indonesian, coupled with studentsAo unfamiliarity with English sentence structures.
Additionally, of instructional media by teachers exacerbates these challenges.
Through this study, the author aims to shed light on Page | 2 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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1 May 2024 effective strategies for English language instruction, particularly through the utilization of greeting cards.
By highlighting the significance of innovative teaching methods, such as greeting cards, the research seeks to equip educators with valuable insights into enhancing English speaking proficiency.
It is hoped that this research will serve as a resource for educators, prompting greater consideration of the instructional media employed in English language instruction.
Research Method Among the array of research methodologies, case study research is chosen by the author due to its capacity to delve into specific instances concerning student learning This study is classified as descriptive qualitative research, specifically an exploratory case study, which seeks to elucidate particular cases.
The author identified a case within SMPN 2 Bengkulu City, focusing on student learning challenges through observations during the Pengenalan Lingkungan Sekolah (PLP) program.
Additional were garnered through interviews with students and the distribution of questionnaires to further elucidate the identified case.
This study adopts a single instrumental case study approach, focusing on the specific issue of studentsAo speaking learning within English language education.
The choice of this research design is motivated by the recognized difficulties faced by tenthgrade students at SMPN 2 Bengkulu City in mastering spoken English.
To address this, the researcher employs a pre-test and post-test methodology to measure the impact of using greeting cards as a teaching aid.
The pre-test establishes a baseline understanding, while the post-test evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention.
Additionally, a questionnaire is administered to gather insights into the implementation of greeting cards and their influence on studentsAo speaking abilities in Class Vi E.
This structured aims to provide valuable insights into enhancing studentsAo speaking proficiency and addressing learning challenges in English language education.
This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of employing greeting cards as a pedagogical tool to enhance studentsAo speaking skills.
By utilizing a single instrumental case study, pre-test and post-test assessments, and questionnaire administration, the Page | 3 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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Research Finding and Discussion The research conducted at SMPN 2 Bengkulu City revealed significant improvements in studentsAo speaking abilities following the implementation of greeting cards as a teaching tool.
Prior to the intervention, students exhibited varying levels of proficiency in spoken English, as indicated by pre-test scores ranging from 30 to 75, with an average score of 59.
However, post-test scores demonstrated substantial enhancement, ranging from 85 to 90, with an average score of 87.
This notable improvement indicates a positive impact on studentsAo speaking The observed progress in studentsAo speaking performance underscores the effectiveness of incorporating greeting cards into English language instruction.
The interactive nature of the greeting card activities provided students with opportunities to practice verbal expression in a supportive learning environment.
Through these activities, students were able to develop confidence in articulating their thoughts and English.
Moreover, use of greeting cards facilitated communication and encouraged students to engage actively in oral interactions.
The the importance of employing diverse instructional strategies to enhance studentsAo speaking proficiency.
By integrating creative and interactive teaching methods like greeting cards, educators can effectively address the challenges associated with language learning.
Additionally, the results emphasize the of practical, student-centered in promoting effective language Overall, the study underscores the significance of leveraging innovative instructional tools to foster studentsAo speaking skills and facilitate meaningful language learning experiences.
The utilization of greeting cards as a teaching aid has led to notable advancements in the speaking proficiency of Class Vi E students at SMPN 2 Bengkulu City.
With post-test scores averaging 87.
21, a significant improvement from the pre-test average of 59.
56, this intervention demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating interactive instructional methods into English language education.
Page | 4 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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1 May 2024 These findings emphasize the importance of providing students with diverse and engaging learning experiences tailored to their needs, ultimately fostering a conducive studentsAo expressing themselves verbally in English.
Corelation Speaking and Greating Card In English learning, mastering speaking is crucial (Irmawati, 2.
Teaching speaking is often the toughest task for educators.
Speaking isn't just about sharing ideas.
it's also about gaining new knowledge.
In Class Vi E, we use resources like the AuCongratulationsAy module.
This module isn't just for celebrations.
it can also be a unique way to improve speaking skills.
Greeting cards are another tool we use.
They're like mini lessons in English, with greetings written on small cards.
They're not just for special occasions.
they can also help maintain friendships.
Greeting cards come in various shapes and designs, making them engaging for Building on the research findings from SMPN 2 Bengkulu City, which remarkable enhancements in studentsAo speaking abilities through the integration of greeting cards as a teaching tool, the correlation between speaking proficiency and the use of greeting cards becomes even more apparent.
The substantial improvements observed in post-test scores, with an average increase from 59.
56 to 87.
21, highlight the positive impact of this intervention on studentsAo speaking skills.
This progress underscores the effectiveness of incorporating greeting cards into English language instruction, providing students with interactive opportunities to practice verbal expression within a supportive learning environment.
By actively engaging students in meaningful communication through greeting card activities, educators foster confidence and fluency in spoken English, ultimately promoting a student-centered approach to language acquisition.
Thus, the findings not only emphasize the importance of employing diverse instructional strategies to enhance speaking proficiency but also underscore the significance of leveraging innovative tools, such as greeting cards, to facilitate meaningful language learning experiences.
This study was conducted at SMPN 2 Bengkulu City, focusing on a cohort of 34 students in class Vi E.
The methodology involved administering both pre-tests and Page | 5 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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Table 1 Pre-test and Post-test Scores of Class Vi E Students Number Participant Pre-test Score Post-test Score Agung Alzi Rizki Aisyah Salsabila Aji Fahri Arifin Anugrah Athif Syahrif Aqila Nafesya Pratama Aura Annisa Fitri Azizah Meiferli Putri Caesar Hasian Daffa Islami Fikriyansyah Dania Aurelia Yonita Demia Flourentia Dwi Erika Qharin Nofriyanti Farel Zatieo Haninda Tiara Adelia Intan Naira Jasmin Nur Amira Kaysan Irfan Murtaza Keysha Mentari Harfi Mandala Rifki Jaya Al fatir Muhammad Aziz Alfandi Muhammad Dzaki Sabrah Muhammad Fardhan Aldzaky Muhammad Ikram Putra Muhammad Naufal Syafiq Naulan Febriana Puja Derti Angraini Puti Vasquella Angelique Page | 6 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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1 May 2024 Raisha Dwi Asti Risco Agustian Pratama Rizki Putri Ilahi Siti Masita Syauqi Syafiq Titania Ramadhani Putri Tri Handoyo These results demonstrate that the average pre-test score for students is 59.
while the average post-test score is 87.
The insights gleaned from studentsAo experiences and perceptions, gathered alongside the pre- and post-test grades, provide a of their development in speaking skills and effectiveness of integrating greeting cards in English language education.
These observations underscore the transformative impact of employing greeting cards as a pedagogical tool.
Increased Confidence Students reported feeling more confident in their speaking abilities as they progressed through the course.
This newfound confidence was evident in their willingness to actively participate in speaking activities, even among students who initially scored lower on the pre-test.
For example, students who initially struggled with pronunciation or hesitated to speak in front of their peers demonstrated increased selfassurance and a willingness to engage in spoken English dialogue.
Improved Articulation and Expression Through the use of greeting cards, students developed a greater proficiency in articulating their thoughts and ideas in English.
They expressed feeling more comfortable expressing themselves verbally and demonstrated improved clarity and coherence in their speech.
Additionally, students exhibited a broader vocabulary and a better understanding of language structures, leading to more fluent and natural Page | 7 LUNAR (Language and Ar.
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1 May 2024 Enhanced Peer Interaction Observations revealed increased peer interaction and collaboration during Students conversations, exchanged ideas, and provided constructive feedback to their peers.
This collaborative learning environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and support among students, encouraging them to take risks and experiment with their language skills in a safe and encouraging setting.
Motivation and Engagement Students expressed enthusiasm for the greeting card activities, finding them enjoyable and stimulating.
Many students expressed a desire to improve their speaking skills further and actively sought out opportunities to practice speaking English both inside and outside the classroom.
Cultural Understanding and Appreciation Through the creation and exchange of greeting cards, students gained a deeper appreciation for cultural nuances and traditions associated with English-speaking They expressed interest in learning more about different cultural practices and customs, which in turn enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills and global The findings underscore a notable disparity between studentsAo pre-test scores and their actual level of English proficiency.
Despite variations in initial assessments, students exhibited significant progress in their post-test scores, indicating a marked improvement in their speaking prowess.
Subsequently, the researcher employed greeting cards as a means to evaluate studentsAo grasp of spoken English.
The results revealed that integrating these cards into English instruction led to a tangible enhancement in studentsAo confidence levels.
This was evident through qualitative observations, wherein students demonstrated a heightened willingness to engage in oral communication tasks and present their original work in front of their peers.
Such empirical evidence underscores the efficacy of incorporating greeting cards as a pedagogical tool to foster studentsAo confidence and proficiency in spoken English.
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1 May 2024 Conclusion studentsAo post-test assessments are administered at the initiation and culmination of their academic journey.
Drawing upon the research conducted in the preceding chapter, the author deduces the following Attaining fluency and efficacy in communication necessitates the acquisition of proficient speaking skills in English.
Adequate learning resources are indispensable for mastering spoken English.
Greeting cards serve as a pedagogical tool that can enhance studentsAo fluency in English speaking.
According to the findings of this study, disseminating greeting cards to students can contribute to their development as proficient English speakers.
Reference