What Speaking Strategies are Used by High-Proficient EFL Students? A Case Study

Abstract

Extensive research on language learning strategies has been performed. However, little has been known about the strategy implemented by students with high proficiency situated at a private university. Talking about speaking skills being the most important language, through speaking we can express our expressions, our self-image, our knowledge, and our perception of our environment. Besides, many successful careers depend on how competently and effectively you use speaking. Using a case study design, this research aimed to investigate the speaking strategies used by high-proficient EFL students. The study was carried out in the English Education department of a private university in Malang. It involved three university students recruited based on two criteria such as having the highest achievement scores in speaking classes and having actively participated in debating championships. Using semi-structured interviews, the participating students were asked what strategies they use and how the strategies help improve their speaking skills. To analyze the data, the researcher used thematic analysis following the steps proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006) that provides a six-phase guide such as (1) Getting acquainted with the information, (2) creating coding categories, (3) taking a glance for topics, (4) evaluation topics (5) Create topics and (6) Write up, to ensure the study's credibility. The analysis reveals that students dominantly used two kinds of speaking strategies such as memory strategy and social strategy. The memory strategies were used to practice individually to remember, memorize, and understand the material by recording important information, frequently reviewing information, and taking note of the important points and social strategy was used to interact with others. By knowing this, English teachers could transform and teach the strategies effectively to low-proficient study. To be more successful in developing their speaking skill, students should employ speaking strategies more frequently, especially during learning to speak. So with this, further research is suggested to conduct research on the application of social strategies & memory strategies for low-proficiency students. Keywords: Speaking Strategies, High-Proficient Student, Private University