IMPROVING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING FLUENCY BY USING IMPROMPTU SPEECH AT FIRST YEAR STUDENTS OF LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Based on the issues identified in the classroom, students at the State Polytechnic of Bengkalis faced significant challenges in developing their speaking fluency. They struggled with comprehending and identifying key points in oral texts and exhibited a limited vocabulary. To address these problems, the researcher implemented the impromptu technique as a pedagogical tool. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which the use of the impromptu technique could enhance students' speaking fluency. This research was carried out over two cycles, with each cycle comprising four sessions: three focused on teaching speaking, and one dedicated to a post-test. The participants in the study were 22 students from the English Department. Several instruments were utilized for data collection, including (1) observation sheets for students, teachers, and teaching activities, (2) field notes, and (3) speaking fluency tests. The findings demonstrated that the use of the impromptu technique significantly improved the students' speaking abilities, especially the fluency component. This was evidenced by the increase in their average speaking fluency scores. Prior to implementing the technique, the students' average score was 50, which rose to 65 by the conclusion of the study.In summary, the implementation of the impromptu technique effectively enhanced the speaking fluency of students in the English Department at the State Polytechnic of Bengkalis. In addition to improving their test scores, it also fostered a greater interest in speaking activities.