Pendekatan Pembelajaran Transformatif dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Public Speaking Mahasiswa Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris

Abstract

Public speaking skills constitute a fundamental competence that must be mastered by university students, particularly within the context of English Language Education. However, challenges such as speaking anxiety, low self-confidence, and limited ability to articulate ideas effectively remain significant obstacles. This study aims to examine the role of a transformative learning approach in enhancing the public speaking skills of fourth-semester students in the English Education Program at Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas Medan. This study employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of students’ reflective journals. The findings reveal that the implementation of transformative learning contributes significantly to the enhancement of students’ self-confidence, the development of critical awareness, and their active engagement in the learning process. Furthermore, this approach is proven to be effective in reducing students’ speaking anxiety in public contexts. Therefore, transformative learning can be positioned as a relevant and effective pedagogical strategy for developing students’ public speaking skills in a holistic manner.