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3. The Characteristics of Successful Speaking Activity
Ur 1996, p. 120 emphasizes that “classroom activities that develop learners’
ability to express themselves through speech would therefore seem an important component of a language course”. The students might feel bored with the activities
run in the classroom. Most of them felt sleepy when the activities running and it might decrease their motivation to learn speaking. Therefore he provides some
characteristics of successful speaking activity. First, students talk a lot. As much as possible of the period of time provided to the activity so that the students can talk
more. Second, participation is needed. All of the students have to participate in the classroom discussion. They all need to get chance to speak, whether the students are
talkative or not. Teacher as contributor has to distribute the chance fairly. Third, high motivation supports the speaking activity to be successful. Students have willingness
to speak English because they are interested in the topic and have something new to say about it, or because they want to get a good mark in English course. Fourth,
language is in acceptable level. Students who learn to speak English can express what they want to say related to the material and they can understand what their friends
say.
4. The Strategies to Improve Speaking Skill
According to Grugeon 2005, p. 84, there are three aspects to improve students speaking skill:
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a. Taking opportunities to use talk in the classroom
Talking in the classroom is crucial to learning. It is where answers to puzzling questions can be found. It is where thoughtful argument and a discussion make ways
for the understanding of new skills and difficult concepts. It is where students listen to and respect
the view of each other and where everyone’s learning is by talking about what they have learned. It is where students can be supported in raising their
own questions about their learning.
b. Questioning
When a teacher talks to students about their works, asking questions is one of used strategies to assess their learning and pro
gress. Teachers can challenge students’ thought by asking questions, guiding them into other areas of discussion and further
question. Asking questions is useful to encourage students to think independently or individually in an interesting way and to question their learning.
c. Talk Partners
This is one of the most successful and easily organized ways for the students to clarify and develop their ideas. Students can easily turn to their friends next to
them or work with a prearranged partner and talk through their ideas or response to a teacher’s question. This is particularly effective as part of whole-class discussion and
it helps quieter students to feel that their ideas are valued. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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