The Problems in Speaking English Faced by The EFL Students in The Third Semester of UPK and How AI Can Help

Abstract

This research focuses on English-speaking problems EFL students faced and the uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help with the problems. It aims to understand the problems in speaking
English faced by EFL students in the third semester of the University of PGRI Kalimantan and describe the use of AI in learning to speak. This research uses a qualitative method. The researchers
interview the students to collect the data. Based on the research findings, the result showed that
students problems in speaking English faced by the third-semester students at the English Language Education Study Program of the University of PGRI Kalimantan due to two factors, namely
linguistic and psychological factors. In linguistic problems, there are pronunciation of the word
difficult (50%), difficulty in similar pronunciation (50%), difficulty in grammar (100%), lack of vocabulary (50%), and difficulty in memorizing the academic vocabulary (50%). Moreover, in psychological problems, the students felt fear of mistakes (85,71%), fear of mispronunciation (71.42%), shyness (78,57%), not remembering anything to say or nothing to say (100%), and felt not confidence (100%). In addition, additional factors make students have difficulty speaking English, which is their mother tongue. Researchers also found that numerous AI offer advantages can used to develop students’ English skills. It can be concluded that linguistic and psychological factors make students speaking English skills become lacking. While EFL students in their third semester face notable challenges in speaking English primarily related to linguistic and psychology aspects, AI technologies provide innovative solutions that enhance learning experiences and improve speaking skills effectively.