AN ACTION RESEARCH STUDY OF STUDENTS WITH LOW ENGLISH PROFICIENCY STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME FEAR IN SPEAKING PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study investigated students’ strategies to overcome fear in speaking performance. This study is a qualitative approach deals with students’ psychological response occurring in natural setting through classroom observation using field note, and video recordings to gain valid data as well as semi-structured interviews is presented to clarify the result and get further information. The findings show that there was close relationship between student strategies to overcome fear of English speaking performance. Considering, EFL classroom as one of factors provoking fear, both students from each level of anxious and teacher needed particular strategies to overcome fear in speaking performance. The students from various levels of fear (very high, high, low & very low) groups claimed they need their own strategies to overcome fear during EFL classroom. Students from each group applied various strategies namely: relaxation techniques, gaining support from others, readiness for activities, and resignation. This study will give valuable information on how EFL classroom activity affects student and teacher strategies based on the fear level, so the teachers can decide appropriate strategy based on the level of fear. Furthermore, the students can determine the best strategy to overcome fear for better language achievement.