LEARNING STRATEGIES USED BY STUDENTS’ TO OVERCOME SPEAKING ANXIETY AT SMK N 7 MEDAN

This study examined the learning strategies used by students to overcome
speaking anxiety in English language classroom. This research aims to (1) identify
the learning strategy employed by students and (2) investigate the implementation
of these strategies in SMKN 7 Medan. This research used descriptive and
qualitative methods. The data were collected from questionnaires and interviews.
This study findings found that (1) students use various strategies to overcome
speaking anxiety. Preparation was the most common method (72%). Other
strategies include relaxation (56%), peer-seeking (67%), positive thinking (52%),
and resignation (68%). Preparation was considered as the most effective method
to overcome speaking anxiety, and (2) students use strategies such as preparation,
positive thinking, relaxation, peer-seeking, and resignation to overcome speaking
anxiety before or during speaking performance in language learning process.