Abstract:
The ability to speak English well is strongly required for EFL students. Perception is one of the factors that can influence students' motivation to follow classroom activities. This research was conducted to describe students’ perceptions on the use of Group Discussion technique in Speaking Classes of ELESP at Lambung Mangkurat University batch 2019.
The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively. The sample for this research was 35 students who were taught Speaking courses through Group Discussion technique. The research design was based on descriptive analysis as well as closed-ended questionnaires on the instrument. This research was conducted at the English Language Education Study Program, FKIP ULM Banjarmasin.?
The findings of this research showed that ELESP students of Lambung Mangkurat University batch 2019 had a positive perception of Group Discussion Technique in Speaking Classes. This is shown by the fact that the dominant answer was "agree", which resulted in a total of 466 or 67% responses. Moreover, doing Group Discussion technique in Speaking class builds up students’ motivation, which could influence them to be more active in Speaking. Accordingly, it is recommended for the English Speaking Class. The researcher suggests that the lecturer could give more variety to the roles of members in a group, such as by adapting jigsaws, numbering heads, and so on, so that the learning could be more interesting.
