Effect of teachers’ instructions to speaking classes at Muhammadiyah University, Kendari

Abstract

This study investigated the teachers’ instruction in improving students’ motivation in speaking. The objective of this study was to identify the instruction that usually given by the lecturer when teaching speaking and its impact to students’ speaking improvement. The subjects of this study were three teachers of speaking classes for students in theirthird semester at theMuhammadiyah University inKendari in the2014/2015 academic year. This study used a descriptive qualitative design whereby data was gathered through classroom observations, recording of classroom activities and documentation. The findings showed that the lecturers’ instructions wereeffectivein improvingthe motivationof their students. Having students more fun in various activities, discussion, doing pair work to help each other in accomplishing task, and being motivated to complete complex tasks. The lecturers tendedmostlyto use direct instructions forteaching speaking. For example, asking frequent questionsto see if the students understood the work they have to do, or by giving students frequent opportunities to practice what they have learned. By giving instructions, the students’ motivation to speak increased. The students were also motivated to be more active in the teaching-learning processes that resulted in improvements in theirspeakingability.