IMPLEMENTING AN ENGLISH ZONE TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AT SMP IT FATHONA PALEMBANG
Abstract
Abstract
English proficiency, including listening, reading, speaking, and writing, is essential for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. However, preliminary observations at SMP IT Fathona Palembang revealed that many students lack confidence and have limited ability to use English actively, both orally and in writing, due to the absence of a supportive language environment beyond the classroom. This study aims to (1) describe the implementation process of an English Zone program, (2) measure students’ improvement in English proficiency, and (3) evaluate students’ perceptions of the program. This research employed School Action Research using a mixed-methods approach. The participants were eleventh-grade students of SMP IT Fathona Palembang. Data were collected through observations, interviews, pre- and post-tests, and student perception questionnaires. The findings indicate that the implementation of the English Zone contributed positively to students’ English proficiency and increased their confidence in using English. In conclusion, the English Zone serves as an effective strategy to create a supportive language environment and promote active English use among junior high school students.
Abstrak
Kemampuan berbahasa Inggris yang mencakup listening, reading, speaking, dan writing merupakan kompetensi penting dalam menghadapi tantangan abad ke-21. Namun, hasil observasi awal di SMP IT Fathona Palembang menunjukkan bahwa banyak siswa masih kurang percaya diri dan memiliki keterbatasan dalam menggunakan bahasa Inggris secara aktif, baik lisan maupun tulisan, yang disebabkan oleh kurangnya lingkungan yang mendukung praktik bahasa di luar kelas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk (1) mendeskripsikan proses implementasi program English Zone, (2) mengukur peningkatan kemampuan bahasa Inggris siswa, dan (3) mengevaluasi persepsi siswa terhadap program tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Sekolah dengan pendekatan campuran (mixed methods). Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas XI SMP IT Fathona Palembang. Teknik pengumpulan data meliputi observasi, wawancara, pre-test dan post-test, serta angket persepsi siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi English Zone memberikan dampak positif terhadap peningkatan kemampuan bahasa Inggris dan kepercayaan diri siswa. Dengan demikian, English Zone dapat menjadi strategi efektif dalam menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang mendukung penggunaan bahasa Inggris secara aktif.
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