Speaking Challenges in a Life Skill Program for Islamic Boarding School Students: A Case Study

Abstract

—The aim of this study was to explore students’ speaking challenges in a life skill program at an Islamic boarding school-Al-Fahd, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Through using a qualitative case study, we collected data by using in-depth interviews with participants at the research site. Our qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analyses by identifying, describing, organizing, and reporting them within a set of data in the form of themes. We structured our discussion around their viewpoints and the settings in which challenges they met appear. An exploration of the manuscripts or data revealed that major themes related to facing language boundaries, enjoying using mother tongue, coping with psychological issues, looking for interesting topics of conversation. The results of the study indicated that students were challenged by a variety of issues that had prevented them from having a good speaking skill in English although they were involving in a life skill program. Teachers and school leaders should provide them with a well-designed program in order to prepare them to face real life situations after finishing their program.