EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT DISCOURAGE STUDENTS
TO PRACTICE SPEAKING IN ENGLISH
Ardiyarso Kurniawan
English Department of Satya Wacana Christian University
ABSTRACT
In language learning, giving chances to practice the target language is needed. Practicing for a period of time can lead the students to acquire higher achievement and knowledge. However, there are internal and external factors affecting the language learning and eagerness of practicing using the language. In my study context, the students do not have any problem with internal factors, but they were discouraged to practice speaking in English caused by external factors. Realizing that it is necessary to find out the problem faced by the students, this study aims to find out external factors that discourage the students to practice speaking in English. This study uses Qualitative method because this study describes how external factors can discourage students to practice speaking in English. The subjects of this study are 7 SMP Laboratorium students who were joining English Zone club. In this study, stimulated-recall interview was used to collect the data which were gathered on 6th – 19th February 2013. The questions were adapted from Brianne (2006) who conducted a research on internal and external factors in language learning. The results of the interview were analyzed using transcribing parts of a lesson and got the participants to comment on what was happening at the time the activity under study took place (Nunan, 1989) and categorizing data that provides a means to classify the data (Lieblech, Tuval-Mashich and Zilber, 1998). It is indicated that the participants had problems on three external factors in language learning: relationship between teacher- students and students-students, Learning Environment and Learning styles. Also, some recommendations were
proposed to increase the students’ performances.
