Journal of Foreign Language and Educational Research

A Study of Phonetic Transcription Differences in U-Dictionary Application and Google Translator

2026-05-17T10:12:37+07:00

This research aims to identify the differences in phonetic transcription between the U-Dictionary application and Google Translate, with a specific focus on diphthongs. A descriptive qualitative design was employed to analyze the data. Data were collected through documentation from both translation platforms and analyzed using the interactive model consisting of four stages: data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The findings reveal significant discrepancies in the phonetic notation systems used by the two applications. U-Dictionary consistently adopts the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) standards for all diphthong entries. In contrast, Google Translate utilizes a simplified phonetic respelling system, specifically the American Heritage Dictionary (AHD) standard. These results suggest that while U-Dictionary maintains academic precision, Google Translate prioritizes intuitive pronunciation for general users.

The Effectiveness of Cooperative Script in Improving Students’ Speaking Skill

2026-05-17T10:12:38+07:00

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Cooperative Script method in improving students' speaking skills. This study employed a pre-experimental research design utilizing a pre-test, treatment, and post-test. The sample consisted of eighth-grade students selected through a total sampling technique. Data were collected using oral tests based on short stories to evaluate students' speaking skills before and after the treatment. The findings indicated a slight increase in the mean score, from 28.29 in the pre-test to 31.94 in the post-test. However, the hypothesis testing revealed that the t-counted (0.97) was lower than the t-table (2.120) at a 0.05 significance level (df=16). Consequently, the hypothesis was rejected, demonstrating that the Cooperative Script method did not significantly improve the students' speaking skills. Based on classroom observations, this lack of significant improvement was influenced by several obstacles, such as students' reluctance to express ideas, fear of being judged by their peers, and a lack of enthusiasm during the learning process.

Keywords: Speaking Skill; Cooperative Script; Pre-Experimental; SMP Negeri 2 Banawa Tengah.

The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Junior High School Students’ Speaking Skill

2026-05-17T10:12:38+07:00

The Application of Problem-based Learning in improving speaking skill of the 8 grade students of MTs. Putri'Aisyiyah Palu. English Education Study Program, Language and Art Education Department, Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Muhammadiyah University Palu, under the supervision of Nadrun and Dewi Rara Amiati. The purpose of this research is to find out whether Problem-based Learning can improve speaking skill of the 8 grade students of MTs. Putri'Aisyiyah Palu. The population of this research was the 8 grade students of MTs. Putriâ€™Aisyiyah Palu by using total sampling technique. This research used pre-test and post-test design in data collection. The findings of the data analysis show that the application of Problem-based Learning has improved slightly although it is not significant. The application of Problem-based Learning could not improve studentsâ€™ speaking skill because of possible difficulties. Testing Hypothesis of applying 0.05 level of significance that the t_counted(1.177) is lower than t_table(2.110). It means that the H0 hypothesis is accepted.

Keywords: Speaking Skill; Problem-based Learning; Pre-Experimental

Assessing the Impact of English Club as an Extracurricular Activity on EFL Students' Speaking Skills

2026-05-17T10:12:38+07:00

This study investigates the impact of English Club participation on the speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in the English Education Study Program at the Muhammadiyah University of Palu. Employing a causative-correlational design with quantitative methods, data were gathered from 17 students using questionnaires to measure club participation and documentation of final speaking grades. Data analysis utilized Pearson’s Product Moment and a t-test to determine the significance of the correlation. The results indicate a positive but very weak correlation (r = 0.093), suggesting that the English Club has a limited impact on students’ speaking performance. Furthermore, the t-test revealed that t_counted (0.361) < t_table (1.753), confirming that the correlation is not statistically significant. These findings suggest that while participation provides a slight positive trend, its overall effect is minimal, necessitating a more structured approach to club activities and the consideration of other influential factors such as motivation and vocabulary.

Web-Based Media and Students’ Interest in English Language Learning

2026-05-17T10:12:38+07:00

This study investigates the influence of web-based media on the learning interest of fourth-semester students in the English Education Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Palu. Employing a qualitative descriptive design, the researcher gathered data through observation, documentation, and structured interviews. The findings indicate that students exhibit a high level of interest in utilizing web-based platforms for English learning. Popular tools such as Canva, Padlet, YouTube, Duolingo, and Google Translate have become integral to their learning experience, driven by factors such as accessibility, interactive content, and perceived effectiveness. While students reported positive engagement and increased motivation, challenges like unstable internet connections and device limitations remain significant barriers. Overall, the study suggests that web-based media offers diverse resources that effectively enhance English language skills and understanding, provided that technical infrastructures are adequately supported.

Grammatical Hurdles in Passive Voice Construction

2026-05-17T10:12:38+07:00

This study aims to analyze the challenges faced by sixth-semester students in the English Language Education Program at Muhammadiyah University of Palu in using the passive voice. The researcher employed a qualitative descriptive design, utilizing a 20-item multiple-choice test and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) interviews as research instruments. The research subjects consisted of 14 students selected using the total sampling technique. The findings revealed that the average student score was 53.2, with the following major errors: misunderstanding of the passive voice concept (50%), errors in the use of auxiliary verbs (30%), and errors in verb forms (20%). The interview results revealed that these challenges were exacerbated by limited vocabulary and a lack of deep understanding of tense formulas. These findings underscore the need for instructional strategies that focus more on the conceptual differences between active and passive sentences in the English language education curriculum.