English teacher’s strategies in teaching speaking to young learners

Abstract

In developing speaking skills at primary schools, interesting exercises and interactive assignments must be utilized by teachers, as there are various issues that schoolchildren may encounter when teaching speaking in English classes. That is why the teacher must often be more active and adaptable than when teaching adults. It is also a challenging job for the teacher to teach speaking skills to the students. The teacher should be creative in choosing materials because it can have a positive impact on students’ motivation. Teachers must be able to stimulate students’ interest. Teachers need to employ several strategies to support the teaching and learning process, as English is not the mother tongue for most students. This research employs a qualitative method as the fundamental aspect of the study. In this case, the research investigated some techniques used by teachers in teaching speaking. The participants of the research were three English teachers who currently teach English to young learners. There are several strategies that have been applied in the English-speaking learning process by teachers, including songs, watching short story videos, role plays, games, and discussions. Teachers use strategies in teaching that are suitable with the learning conditions of the students in the classroom. Students still have difficulties in learning English, especially speaking. Their limited vocabulary give affects their motivation to learn English speaking. Therefore, teachers use various learning models in the classroom to foster students' interest in the learning process. Teachers can use a variety of teaching strategies, not just demonstration and discussion strategies. It is intended that students can experience learning with other strategies. Teachers should be able to increase the frequency of using learning media, such as digital media and add insight into the use of technology.