REDUCING ENGLISH SPEAKING ANXIETY IN CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS: THE ROLE OF CHATBOT-ASSISTED PREPARATION

        Speaking anxiety is a common issue among students in an English learning context, particularly when engaging in oral presentations. This study investigates whether chatbot-assisted preparation can reduce speaking anxiety among non-English major students. Employing pre-test post-test control group design, 40 participants were randomly distributed to either an experimental group (preparation with chatbot assistance) or a control group (preparation without chatbot assistance). A modified, Indonesian-translated version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) was used to measure anxiety levels. Independent pre-test comparisons showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.635), indicating baseline equivalence. Paired-sample t-test results revealed a significant decrease in anxiety within the experimental group (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.558). Finally, independent post-test comparisons indicated a significantly lower anxiety level in the experimental group compared to the control group (p = 0.002). These findings suggest that chatbots can be a valuable tool for reducing speaking anxiety and enhancing oral performance in foreign language education

Meningkatkan Penguasaan Kosakata Menggunakan Flashcard pada Siswa Kelas VII SMPN 2 Kisaran

        This study investigated the effectiveness of using flashcards to improve vocabulary mastery among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran, who have demonstrated limited vocabulary knowledge due to difficulties in memorizing new words. The objective was to enhance students’ vocabulary through the implementation of flashcards as a learning tool. The study employed classroom action research based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model, conducted in two cycles comprising the stages of planning, action, observation, and reflection. A total of 30 students from class VII–7 participated in the study. Data were collected through observations and vocabulary tests. The results revealed a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery, with the average test score increasing from 67.8 (33.3%) in Cycle 1 (categorized as low) to 82.8 (73.3%) in Cycle 2 (categorized as high). These findings indicate that the use of flashcards is an effective strategy for enhancing vocabulary acquisition among junior high school students.  Penelitian ini mengkaji bagaimana penggunaan kartu flash (flashcard) dapat membantu siswa kelas VII di SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran dalam meningkatkan penguasaan kosakata. Telah diakui bahwa kosakata siswa masih kurang, dan hal ini disebabkan oleh ketidakmampuan mereka dalam menghafal kata-kata. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggunakan kartu flash sebagai media guna membantu siswa kelas VII di SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran dalam meningkatkan penguasaan kosakata. Penelitian ini diklasifikasikan sebagai penelitian tindakan (action research) yang terdiri dari dua siklus. Model Burns dari Kemmis dan Taggart, yang mencakup empat tahap dalam satu siklus penelitian, perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Sebanyak tiga puluh siswa dari kelas VII-7 berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kosakata siswa. Metode yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data adalah observasi dan tes. Peneliti menemukan bahwa kosakata siswa mengalami peningkatan berdasarkan temuan penelitian. Hal ini diperkuat oleh analisis terhadap hasil tes yang rendah pada siklus 1 dan peningkatannya ke kategori tinggi pada siklus 2. Dengan demikian, pertumbuhan kosakata siswa dengan menggunakan kartu flash masuk ke dalam kategori baik (tinggi). Kata kunci: Kartu flash, peningkatan, kosakata, penguasaa

ANALISIS FITUR SOSIOLINGUISTIK: PENGGUNAAN REGISTER DALAM WAWANCARA KOMERSIAL ONLINE DAN APLIKASINYA DALAM PENGAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS

         The language used in digital marketing, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram, reflects unique patterns that differ significantly from everyday spoken interaction. This study aims to explore how linguistic registers are used in commercial communication on Instagram, focusing on the account @dailyluxury_id. It also examines how these registers can be utilized in English language teaching. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the study analyzed 50 Instagram captions posted between January and March 2024. Content analysis was employed to identify and classify the registers based on word types (such as nouns and verbs) and their meanings, which were grouped into two categories: lexical (dictionary-based) and contextual (influenced by marketing purposes). The results show that 11 frequently used words appeared, with nouns (36.36%) and verbs (18.18%) being the most common, reflecting a focus on promotion and transaction. About 54.54% of the meanings followed standard dictionary definitions, while 45.45% had contextual meanings that conveyed urgency, exclusivity, or community engagement. For example, the word ready implies immediate availability, while local lovers create a sense of belonging. These language strategies contribute to a conversational yet persuasive tone that supports digital marketing goals. The study concludes that the use of registers on Instagram is purposeful and adapted to the target audience. It also suggests that such linguistic features can be integrated into English language teaching to expose learners to authentic, socially relevant materials—particularly in courses related to sociolinguistics, digital communication, or business English.Bahasa berfungsi sebagai alat komunikasi; namun, bahasa yang digunakan di Toko Online sangat berbeda dengan bahasa percakapan sehari-hari. Penelitian ini menganalisis bentuk dan makna linguistik register yang digunakan dalam akun Instagram @dailyluxury_id, sebuah toko daring. Instagram dipilih sebagai sumber data karena penggunaannya yang meluas di era digital sebagai platform promosi produk. Penelitian ini mencoba untuk menjawab dua pertanyaan utama: (1) Apa saja bentuk register linguistik yang digunakan dalam bahasa pembelian produk bold? (2) Apa signifikansi register dalam konteks ini? Dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif, penelitian ini berfokus pada register spesifik yang digunakan dalam komunikasi toko bold. Tujuan utamanya adalah untuk mengidentifikasi struktur linguistik dan mengeksplorasi makna register yang digunakan dalam wacana toko bold.Penelitian ini menemukan 11 register dalam bahasa Instagram, yang sebagian besar terdiri dari kata benda (36,36%) seperti "Stok," "Ulasan," dan "Terlaris," dan kata kerja (18,18%) seperti "Transfer" dan "Pesanan," yang menekankan tindakan transaksional. Kosakata yang cerah dan santai ini, yang lebih menyukai nada percakapan, kontras dengan e-commerce standar. Sementara konotasi kontekstual (45,45%) mengomunikasikan eksklusivitas dan urgensi, makna leksikal (54,54%) sering kali mempertahankan definisi kamusnya. Istilah seperti "Siap" dan "Pecinta lokal" mempromosikan kedekatan dan komunitas. Semua hal dipertimbangkan, teknik linguistik Instagram meningkatkan komunikasi dan menghasilkan pengalaman berbelanja yang berfokus pada komunitas, didorong oleh urgensi, dan eksklusif

EFFORT MATTERS: EXPLORING INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ SELF-EFFICACY IN ENGLISH LEARNING

       Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in shaping students' motivation and performance, particularly in the context of learning a foreign language such as English. Guided by Bandura’s (1997) social cognitive theory, this study explores Indonesian university students’ self-efficacy beliefs in English learning, with a specific focus on the role of effort-related beliefs. This study aims to explore university students' self-efficacy in English learning by analyzing their beliefs and confidence levels toward their language learning abilities. The respondents consisted of 129 students enrolled in a compulsory General English course in Universitas Negeri Padang, selected from a population of 308 students using a simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire comprising 25 items based on a Likert scale was administered to measure students’ self-efficacy. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed through Pearson Product-Moment correlation and Cronbach’s Alpha (? = 0.7926), indicating strong internal consistency. Data analysis revealed that the average self-efficacy score was 3.29, which falls into the moderate category. The highest-rated statement indicated students' belief that effort leads to improvement, while the lowest-rated item reflected a sense of helplessness regardless of effort. These results suggest that while students believe in their potential to succeed in English learning through hard work, some still struggle with negative self-perceptions. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing students' self-efficacy beliefs to enhance their learning outcomes. Educational interventions that foster self-awareness, goal-setting, and motivational strategies may contribute positively to increasing self-efficacy in language learning. This study contributes to the growth of the literature on EFL self-efficacy in Indonesia. It is suggested that the lecturers to support students’ confidence and autonomy in acquiring English as a foreign language

THE IMPACT OF VIDEO GAMES TOWARD STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ABILITY

         In Indonesia, many students still face challenges in developing their English-speaking skills due to limited practice opportunities and a strong focus on written exams. However, some students have shown strong speaking abilities without attending extra English lessons. This study explores the possible link between video game playing and speaking skill improvement in such cases. While informal language learning through digital media has been recognized, the specific impact of video gaming on speaking abilities—especially in the Indonesian junior high school context—remains underexplored. This descriptive qualitative study involved 30 eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Kota Solok in the 2023/2024 academic year who regularly played video games and demonstrated above-average speaking skills based on school performance and teacher evaluation. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observation, and students’ report card analysis, then analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and insights. The results show that online multiplayer games such as Mobile Legends, Free Fire, and Roblox helped students improve fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary through frequent English communication with other players. These findings suggest that video games can be a valuable source of speaking practice, and they highlight the potential for educators and policymakers to consider integrating digital media as a complementary tool in language learning.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dampak dari video game terhadap kemampuan berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris (speaking) siswa. Hal ini dilatarbelakangi temuan bahwa terdapat siswa yang memiliki kemampuan yang mumpuni dalam speaking dan ketika ditelusuri lebih lanjut siswa – siswi tersebut tidak mengikuti pelajaran tambahan di luar sekolah, serta siswa – siswi tersebut aktif bermain video game. Peneliti tertarik untuk meneliti apakah video game yang dimainkan oleh siswa berdampak terhadap kemampuan speaking mereka dan game seperti apa yang memberikan dampak tersebut. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kualitatif. Populasi dan sampel dari penelitian ini adalah sampel yang mengikuti kriteria bermain game dan menguasai speaking pada kelas 8 SMP Negeri 2 Kota Solok tahun ajaran 2023/2024 yang berjumlah 30 siswa. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan interview tatap muka, observasi dan analisa dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa adanya dampak positif yang diberikan oleh video game terhadap kemampuan speaking siswa. Ditemukan bahwa pada video game banyak terjadi komunikasi dalam bahasa inggris yang memicu siswa untuk berlatih di luar jam sekolah. Kata – kata dan kalimat baru juga membantu siswa untuk dapat berkomunikasi dengan lebih lancar berkat kosa kata baru yang mereka peroleh dari game

THE IMPACT OF CHARACTER QUOTES STRATEGY ON EFL LEARNERS’ READING COMPREHENSION OF NARRATIVE TEXTS

        Many students in SMAN 8 Mandau faced difficulties in reading comprehension, particularly in identifying main ideas, locating specific information, and making inferences. Conventional teacher-centered methods, which relied heavily on explanation, limited student engagement and comprehension. To address this issue, this study investigated the effectiveness of the character quotes strategy in enhancing reading comprehension of narrative texts. A true-experimental design was employed with 11th-grade students (n = 395) across 11 classes. The experimental group received instruction using the character quotes strategy, while the control group was taught conventionally. A multiple-choice reading comprehension test served as the research instrument, and non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Mann–Whitney U) were applied due to the data distribution. The findings revealed significant differences between the groups (Sig. [2-tailed] = 0.000 < 0.05), with the experimental group achieving higher post-test scores. These results suggest that integrating the character quotes strategy into reading instruction can significantly improve comprehension and foster greater learner engagement. The study highlights the pedagogical value of interactive strategies in EFL classrooms and provides implications for enhancing reading instruction in similar contexts.

Analisis Gaya Komunikasi Berbahasa Asertif Pada Program “Desak Anies”.

        This research examines the language style used by Anies Baswedan in the “Desak Anies” program on Kompas TV, focusing on how assertive communication strategies are adapted to modern media platforms in Indonesia's political landscape. Using a qualitative approach with content analysis, episodes aired between January and December 2023 were analyzed based on McNair’s political communication theory and Austin’s speech act theory. The findings highlight four main assertive communication styles: basic assertion for clarity, empathic assertion for emotional connection, escalating assertion for firm responses, and confrontative assertion for addressing misinformation. By maintaining message consistency across platforms, this study emphasizes how political figures can effectively engage audiences, build trust, and shape public opinion in the digital era. This research contributes to the understanding of political communication strategies in Indonesia's ever-evolving media context

DRAWING-BASED WRITING TASK TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE YOUNG EFL LEARNERS’ DESCRIPTIVE TEXT WRITING SKILLS

       Teaching writing to young learners in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context often met with concerns about developmental readiness. However, some studies show that young learners can benefit from creative and multimodal approaches to writing. While much has been studied on teaching speaking and listening skills, studies on visual stimuli like drawing for writing instruction at an early age are limited. This study aims to empower young learners to produce simple descriptive texts through a drawing-based writing task, using their favorite pets as the topic. Employing a case study design, this study involved one class of children, class I,I, which consisted of fourteen learners in a private English language course in Bengkulu, Indonesia. They were in the first and second grades in the elementary schools with ages between 6-7 years. Data were collected through classroom observations, student work, and reflective feedback from teachers. After young learners studied basic vocabulary and sentence structures in eight meetings, they drew their favorite pets and wrote short descriptions based on their drawings. The number of sentences that they should write ranges from four to six sentences. Each sentence contained five to eight words.  The results show that young learners could write simple descriptive texts using basic vocabulary and sentence structures using drawing-based writing tasks. This technique also helped young learners generate content and reduced cognitive load during writing. These findings suggest that creative, visual-based tasks can be effective in teaching writing to young EFL learners

Penggunaan Gimkit sebagai Media Belajar Digital untuk Meningkatkan Penguasaan Kosakata Siswa Kelas VII SMPN 2 Kisaran

        Vocabulary retention is a persistent challenge for beginner EFL learners. This classroom action research investigated the effectiveness of Gimkit, a digital game-based learning tool, in improving vocabulary mastery among seventh-grade students at UPTD SMPN 2 Kisaran. The study was conducted over two action-research cycles based on the Kemmis and McTaggart (1988) model and involved 32 students from class VII-9 who had low initial vocabulary scores. Data were gathered through vocabulary tests and student interviews. The results demonstrated a notable improvement in mastery: only 18.75% of students passed the minimum criterion in the pre-test, which increased to 46.87% in Cycle 1 and 90.6% in Cycle 2. The integration of visual aids and the use of Gimkit’s rematch feature in Cycle 2 enhanced student engagement and memory retention. Interviews indicated that students found the learning process more enjoyable and motivating. Nonetheless, some learners continued to experience difficulties in vocabulary retention due to external factors such as health issues and personal challenges. These findings highlight the potential of Gimkit as an effective and engaging digital tool to support vocabulary acquisition in EFL classrooms, particularly at the beginner level.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas media Gimkit dalam meningkatkan penguasaan kosakata siswa kelas VII. Gimkit merupakan media pembelajaran berbasis permainan interaktif yang dirancang untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan siswa melalui pendekatan berbasis permainan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas VII-9 di UPTD SMPN 2 Kisaran. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan penguasaan kosakata yang signifikan setelah menggunakan Gimkit dalam proses pembelajaran. Media ini mampu menciptakan suasana belajar yang menyenangkan, dan membantu retensi kosakata lebih efektif. Namun, penelitian ini memiliki keterbatasan karena hanya dilakukan pada satu kelas. Oleh karena itu, disarankan agar dilakukan penelitian lebih lanjut dengan cakupan yang lebih luas dan melibatkan variabel tambahan. Temuan ini mendukung penggunaan media digital interaktif sebagai sarana inovatif pembelajaran bahasa Inggris, khususnya dalam penguasaan kosakata. Kata Kunci: Kosakata, Gimkit, Media Pembelajara

Upaya Mengatasi Rendahnya Minat Belajar Bahasa Inggris Melalui Pendekatan Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) dan Media Interaktif di Kelas VII-8 SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran

       This study addresses the low level of student interest in English learning among Grade VII-8 students at SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran by implementing the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach in combination with interactive media. The primary challenge identified was students’ lack of engagement, which contributed to reduced participation and suboptimal learning outcomes. Employing a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design over two cycles, the study followed the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The participants consisted of 32 students, with data collected through observation, documentation, and learning outcome tests. Results demonstrated a positive impact on both student interest and academic performance. Notably, the proportion of students in the “very good” performance category (scores 90–100) increased from 0% to 6.6%, and those in the “good” category (80–89) rose from 6.6% to 26.7%. Concurrently, the number of students in the “poor” category (below 75) decreased from 55.7% to 41.4%. Observations also indicated improved classroom participation, enthusiasm, and involvement in discussions. While these findings suggest that the TaRL approach and interactive media can enhance student engagement and outcomes, further research employing statistical analysis is recommended to confirm the significance of these improvements.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengatasi rendahnya minat belajar Bahasa Inggris siswa kelas VII-8 SMP Negeri 2 Kisaran dengan menerapkan pendekatan Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) dan menggunakan media interaktif. Masalah utama yang dihadapi adalah kurangnya antusias siswa dalam mengikuti pelajaran Bahasa Inggris yang berdampak pada rendahnya aktivitas belajar dan pencapaian hasil belajar. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus yang masing-masing terdiri dari tahap perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui angket minat belajar, observasi, dokumentasi, dan tes hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan pendekatan TaRL dan media interaktif secara signifikan meningkatkan minat belajar siswa yang ditandai dengan peningkatan aktivitas di kelas, keterlibatan siswa dalam diskusi, dan peningkatan skor rata-rata hasil belajar. Kata Kunci: minat belajar, Bahasa Inggris, Teaching at the Right Level, media interaktif, siswa SM