Presentation in
Speaking Class (A Classroom Observation)
Ani Purjayanti
The teaching of English in Indonesia has been facing significant challenges since the majority - if not all - education institutions are trying hard to “produce” more qualified graduates, not only related to the students’ field but also in English. Generally, the English capability required nowadays has been the one for “productive communication” – for instance, speaking. It is commonly believed that possessing the capability to use English productively, graduates will be ready to compete at job market.
The above need has also been a primary concern of the English teachers in Institut Pertanian Bogor, (IPB). Considering the fact that the majority of high school graduates are not able to produce or use the language, teaching IPB students (with their various backgrounds and levels of English) to speak, consequently, requires a great effort. Unfortunately, this is always accompanied by a number of such inhibiting factors as student number in one class, students’ tight schedule, and limitations of class time. Thus, thoughts were put into consideration and efforts were made to find activities which are useful, effective, as well as enjoyable for students to improve their productive skills in English, especially speaking.
Presentation is then chosen as one activity to be practiced in the speaking class I taught. Besides providing opportunity for the students to improve their speaking skill, this activity is considered to be a different way of learning English – at least for the students I taught. Therefore, it is expected that students would be encouraged to be more dynamic and active in learning English both inside and outside the classroom.
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Purjayanti, A. (2003, October).
Presentation in speaking class: A classroom observation. Paper presented
at the 51st TEFLIN International Conference,
Website: www.geocities.com/eltindonesia
Email: eltindonesia@yahoo.com