An Analysis of Third-Year Students’ Speaking Problems in the English Department of Lakidende University

Abstrak

The aims of this study are to analyze students’ speaking problems in English and to identify and describe their needs in speaking English. The study involved five English department students at Lakidende University who participated in semi-structured interviews and were observed using an observation sheet. This study employed a case study design. The findings revealed that linguistic problems were the most dominant speaking issues among third-semester students, particularly limited vocabulary mastery, mispronunciation of new or unfamiliar words, and incorrect grammatical structures in their utterances. These were followed by affective problems, such as timidity and low confidence in speaking English. Furthermore, the results indicated that the speaking needs of these students included using their speaking skills mainly when assigned speaking tasks by the lecturer, with presentation tasks being perceived as the most helpful activity for improving speaking skills. The students also preferred a fun and engaging classroom atmosphere and appreciated lecturers who acted as evaluators during speaking activities. By identifying both the speaking problems and the specific needs of the students, lecturers are expected to provide more targeted support and create an encouraging learning environment that promotes active participation in speaking activities.

Kata kunci

• Affective Problems
• Linguistics Problems
• Speaking Needs
• Speaking Problems