Beyond Student Perceptions: The Role of English Community in Reducing Non-English Major Students’ Speaking Anxiety
Abstract
This study aims to explore more deeply the role of the English Community in reducing English speaking anxiety among students at the Institut Syekh Abdul Halim Hasan Binjai. This study is a descriptive qualitative research supported by quantitative descriptive data. Data were collected using open interviews with 5 students and questionnaires distributed via Google Form to 104 students. The results of the study found that the English Community is very helpful for students in developing their English speaking talent and reducing the anxiety they face when speaking English. The safe and comfortable atmosphere of the English Community class without pressure, peers without bullying, fun English tutors, interesting and appropriate teaching materials and learning media, and receiving full support to continue sharpening their English language talents are strong reasons for students to join and develop their English speaking skills. English communities have been proven to foster interest, passion, and confidence in speaking English. Therefore, it is important for every college to have an English Community as a means of developing students’ English talents and interests free from anxiety.
Keywords
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v11i5.2960
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