A Study on Difficulties in Speaking Encountered by Students of Vocational High School (SMK) Muhammadiyah 2 Pekanbaru

Abstract

This study investigates the difficulties in speaking English experienced by second-year students at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Pekanbaru. Recognizing that speaking is a vital skill for real-life communication, the research addresses common issues students face, such as limited vocabulary, grammatical errors, pronunciation difficulties, anxiety, and lack of speaking opportunities. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative insights from interviews to identify key factors contributing to students’ difficulties. The analysis focuses on five main indicators: linguistic obstacles, speech processing difficulties, academic and conversational English skills, negative psychological effects, and limited access to speaking practice. The results reveal that students often struggle with using correct grammar, selecting appropriate vocabulary, and producing accurate pronunciation. Additionally, mother tongue interference, low fluency, classroom passivity, and anxiety further hinder their speaking performance. The findings also indicate that current teaching strategies and classroom environments do not provide enough chances for students to practice speaking. Nevertheless, students remain motivated to improve. The study highlights the need for more effective teaching methods, integrated speaking activities, and supportive classroom conditions to help students enhance their communicative competence in English.