PRONUNCIATION IN ACTION: AN INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS IN IMPROVING ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION AT IPB CIREBON

Abstract

The research delves into the dynamic landscapes of pronunciation teaching practices, aiming to investigate and critically analyze the methodologies employed in language education. Pronunciation, a vital component of language proficiency, significantly influences effective communicative. Recognizing the challenges faced by learners in acquiring accurate pronunciation skills, this study seeks to contribute empirical insights into the effectiveness of diverse teaching practice. To limit the scope of the study, the researcher focused the investigation only on pronunciation accuracy. This is a qualitative approach where the researcher examines real-life, synchronous bound systems or collective bund systems over time through detailed and in-depth data collection. Data were collected through document analysis, non-participatory observation, questionnaire, and in-depth interview after gaining consent from two senior high school’s English teachers in Indonesia. The collected data were then analyzed using the interactive model of analysis. This study concerns that pronunciation practice received a small portion of attention. Most of the pronunciation accuracy training was carried out with a similar pattern of activities, i.e., read aloud, listen-and-repeat, and teachers’ corrective feedback to respond to the student's errors. Pronunciation accuracy training experienced several problems. A poor internet connection can be disastrous for accuracy training as implementing synchronous learning or uploading and downloading audio/video requires a good and strong internet connection. The first problem is the lack of students’ engagement to study due to the difference in sensation and excitement with face to face (F2F) learning. There are also challenges when assessing pronunciation, namely the unavailability of an appropriate pronunciation assessment rubric and a large number of students in one class. These imply that adequate preparation is needed in applying pronunciation accuracy instruction, apart from the material itself.