Students' Perceptions of English Club Activities for Improving Speaking Skills at SMPN 182 Jakarta

Abstract

Students' perceptions influence their motivation, engagement, and achievement, it is important to investigate how they perceive learning activities aimed at developing speaking skills. This study aims to investigate students' perceptions of English Club activities as a means to improve their speaking skills at SMPN 182 Jakarta. This study focuses on whether extracurricular activities organized by the English Club develop students' motivation, confidence, and speaking fluency. English Club is designed to provide an informal and interactive environment where students can practice speaking English more freely, outside the pressure of formal classroom assessments. Using a quantitative descriptive method, data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire distributed to 60 students actively participating in the English Club. The instrument measured three main indicators: motivation and enjoyment, confidence building, and speaking fluency. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mean Rate formula to interpret students' perceptions. The study findings indicated that students had a very positive perception of English Club activities, with an overall response rate of 82.4%, categorized as "Very High." Students reported that participation in English Club made them more motivated and confident to speak, reduced their fear of making mistakes, and improved their ability to express ideas fluently.