The Implementation of Mel-T Program in Improving Students’ Speaking Performance at MAN 1 Polman

Abstract

ABSTRACT Name : SARIANA Reg Number : 10256121006 Title : The Implementation of Mel-T Program in Improving Students’ Speaking Performance at MAN 1 Polman

Over the past nine years, students have consistently demonstrated low proficiency in speaking skills and have not achieved recognition in English language competitions. In response to these challenges, MAN 1 Polman implemented the Mel-T program as a strategic initiative to enhance students’ English language abilities, particularly in speaking. This study aimed to explore the implementation of the Mel-T program in improving students’ speaking performance at MAN 1 Polman. In addition, the researcher also investigated the benefits of joining the Mel-T program for its members and the challenges encountered by both the members and the coach. This research employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological method. The data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, and processed using NVivo 12 Plus software. The findings revealed that, the Mel-T program at MAN 1 Polman was implemented systematically and effectively to enhance students' speaking performance. The researcher collected data from three Mel-T meetings focused on improving speaking performance. The program consisted of three phases: opening activity, main activity, and closing activity. The opening phase emphasised greetings and motivation, the main phase centred on speaking practices, and the closing phase involved evaluation and reflection. In the first meeting, students engaged in group discussions. The second session focused on watching an English movie and participating in a game, while the third session culminated in a talent show highlighting students' speaking performances. The advantages of joining the Mel-T program, as revealed through interviews, included improving students' confidence, speaking skills, pronunciation, vocabulary, debating skills, and participation in English competitions. However, based on the interviews, even though there are some advantages to joining Mel-T, other students perceived certain advantages as obstacles, such as limited vocabulary, pronunciation difficulties, and lack of confidence. In addition, other challenges identified were a lack of understanding of grammar and insufficient environmental support. From the coach's perspective, the challenges involved students' shyness, fear of making mistakes, and difficulties in maintaining active participation. Keywords: Extracurricular, English Club, Mel-T Program, Speaking Performance