English Day as Speaking Skill Improving Strategy: A Study at The University of Mataram

Abstract

This study investigated the implementation of SAE2P Day as a strategy to improve speaking skills among active members of the Student Association of English Education Program (SAE2P) at the University of Mataram. This study used a mixed-method design involving 10 active members selected through purposive sampling. The data was collected through questionnaires, self-reported speaking scores, and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that most participants had positive perceptions of SAE2P Day because the program encouraged English use and increased confidence in speaking. Members used English more actively in informal contexts because they felt more comfortable and less pressured. However, the quantitative results showed that the improvement in speaking scores was still limited, with some participants showing improvement while others remained stable or decreased. Despite this, the qualitative findings revealed that SAE2P Day positively supported confidence, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and speaking habits. Therefore, SAE2P Day can be considered beneficial in supporting English speaking practice in a non-formal learning environment.