THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ROLE PLAY TECHNIQUE BY THE ENGLISH TEACHER AT SMPN 5 SIMPANG EMPAT TO IMPROVE SPEAKING SKILLS

ABSTRACT Astuti, Mariana, 2025. “The Implementation of Role Play Technique by The English Teacher at SMP 5 Simpang Empat to Improve Speaking Skill” 2024/2025. Thesis, English Education Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Nahdlatul Ulama University, of South Kalimantan. Advisor (I) Isnaniah, M.Pd., (II) Pajrian Noor, M.Pd. Keywords: Role Play, Speaking Skill, Student Perception, EFL Classroom, Qualitative Research This study explores the use of role play in teaching speaking and examines students’ perceptions of its implementation in an EFL classroom at SMPN 5 Simpang Empat. The research was inspired by initial observations showing that students lacked confidence when speaking English in class. Role play was chosen as a method to create a more engaging and supportive environment for speaking practice. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, involving four classroom observations and interviews with one English teacher and one student. The data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The results showed that the teacher implemented role play through clear instructions, vocabulary preparation, modeling, and feedback. Students participated actively, became more confident, and used English more fluently. The interviewed student viewed role play as enjoyable and helpful in reducing anxiety. In conclusion, role play can be an effective strategy for enhancing students’ speaking skills and creating a positive learning atmosphere. The study suggests that role play should be integrated more consistently in speaking lessons to support student confidence and communicative competence.