Jurnal Serunai Bahasa Inggris

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF USING PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN READING CLASS AT INDONESIAN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY

2025-08-20T13:31:31+07:00

Reading comprehension is a fundamental component of English language learning at the tertiary level. However, many students still face significant challenges in processing and understanding complex academic texts, which hinders their academic progress. Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a student-centered pedagogical approach that emphasizes active inquiry, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, offers an alternative method to foster deeper engagement and enhance comprehension. This study explores students’ perceptions of the implementation of PBL in reading classes at an Indonesian Islamic University. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with four second-year English Education students who had prior experience with PBL-based learning. Thematic analysis revealed that students generally hold a positive view of PBL. They reported that PBL effectively encourages active participation, improves text comprehension, and fosters learning motivation through relevant and meaningful tasks. Collaboration within groups was also found to enhance their communication and teamwork skills. Supporting factors identified include the use of authentic reading materials, opportunities for discussion and reflection, and the instructor's role as a supportive facilitator. Nonetheless, several challenges were also noted, such as limited learning time, uneven group contributions, varying reading abilities among group members, and difficulties in understanding academic vocabulary. The findings suggest that while PBL is effective in enhancing reading comprehension and promoting student-centered learning, its successful implementation requires careful planning, scaffolding strategies, and continuous support from instructors to overcome the identified constraints.

STIMULATION OF STUDENTS ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILL IN USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR GRADE X SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PABA BINJAI

2025-11-14T12:28:33+07:00

This research aims to investigate the stimulation of students' English speaking skills through the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically using the ELSA Speak application, among Grade X students at SMA PABA Binjai. The background of the study is rooted in the low speaking performance of students, who often lack confidence, fluency, and sufficient vocabulary when speaking English. The integration of AI in language learning is expected to create more personalized, interactive, and effective learning experiences. This qualitative descriptive research involved two classes (X-1 and X-2) as the subjects and focused on observing changes in students’ motivation, confidence, and pronunciation skills before and after the use of the ELSA Speak application. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, interviews, and observations during a four-week learning period. The findings revealed significant improvements in students’ speaking performance. Students became more motivated and actively engaged in practicing English speaking through the app's interactive features. Verbal confidence increased, as seen from louder voice projection, reduced hesitation, and better pronunciation. Non-verbal aspects such as eye contact and body posture also improved, indicating increased self-confidence. Moreover, the instant feedback and structured exercises provided by ELSA Speak effectively supported students in correcting pronunciation errors and improving fluency. The research concludes that AI-based learning tools like ELSA Speak can be highly beneficial in enhancing students' English speaking skills, especially in terms of motivation, confidence, and pronunciation accuracy. This study also highlights the potential of AI to transform traditional English learning into a more dynamic and student-centered experience.

PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS PADA MAHASISWA FAKULTAS FARMASI INSTITUTE KESEHATAN HELVETIA MEDAN

2025-09-23T16:10:53+07:00

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis persepsi mahasiswa Fakultas Farmasi Institut Helvetia Medan terhadap pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris. Penguasaan Bahasa Inggris dianggap krusial bagi mahasiswa farmasi untuk bersaing di era global. Meskipun demikian, observasi awal menunjukkan adanya kendala berupa rendahnya motivasi dan kemampuan berbahasa Inggris. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan survei. Populasi dan sampel penelitian adalah 125 mahasiswa Fakultas Farmasi yang telah mengikuti mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis dengan statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata persepsi mahasiswa berada pada kategori tinggi, dengan mean empirik 32,55 yang lebih besar dari mean hipotetik 25. Temuan ini didukung oleh analisis frekuensi yang menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas responden (88 orang) berada dalam kategori Tinggi. Namun, penelitian juga menemukan adanya polarisasi yang signifikan, di mana 77 responden memiliki persepsi Rendah. Polarisasi ini mengindikasikan bahwa pandangan siswa tidak sepenuhnya homogen. Persepsi ini dipengaruhi oleh faktor internal seperti motivasi dan self-efficacy, serta faktor eksternal seperti metode pengajaran dan relevansi materi. Secara keseluruhan, meskipun persepsi cenderung positif, masih ada kelompok besar mahasiswa yang memerlukan perhatian khusus untuk meningkatkan pandangan mereka terhadap pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris.