An Analysis of Students’ Speaking Learning Strategies in Seventh Grade at SMPN 2 Kota Cilegon

Abstract

This research aimed to find out the speaking learning strategies commonly used and the difficulties of students speaking learning strategies by students of 7^th grade in SMPN 2 Kota Cilegon. This research used a qualitative method, particularly a case study. This research was conducted at SMPN 2 Kota Cilegon Academic year 2022/2023 the participants were 32 students. To collect the data, the researcher used a questionnaire, interview, and documentation. It was found that the commonly used speaking learning strategies among students in class 7D of SMPN 2 Kota Cilegon are metacognitive strategies from indirect strategies, with an average percentage of 27%, while memory strategies are the least used in learning speaking, with an average percentage of 8%. The difficulties of speaking learning strategies in speaking activities in the classroom were identified such as memorizing new vocabulary, pronunciation, constructing sentences, lack of confidence, and feeling embarrassed when speaking in front of others. Those statements were based on interview data. This indicates differences in the difficulties faced and the strategies used by students when learning to speak.