Use Of Authentic Materials In Growing Motivation And Reducing Anxiety Levels Of Speaking In P5 Activities In Secondary School

prof. herri mulyono, ph.d.; siti zulaiha, m.al., ph.d.;

The current study examines the effect of using authentic materials on the speaking motivation and anxiety of Indonesian lower secondary EFL students. A total of 42 students from SMPN 06 Bekasi were selected through convenience sampling to participate in this quasi-experimental research. The data were collected through pre- and post-intervention class questionnaires to assess changes in students’ speaking motivation and anxiety scores. The intervention class setting was manipulated to fit the Pancasila student profile strengthening project (P5) standard. Results indicate that students' speaking motivation score rose modestly from 128.6 to 130.7, followed by an evident growth of the total students demonstrating high motivation (N=18 – 36). However, the number of students experiencing a high level of anxiety is only decreasing slightly (N=26-23), showing that even though authentic materials can promote their motivation, anxiety remains a challenge. The study suggests ongoing innovative teaching strategies focusing on reducing students' anxiety while practicing speaking and boosting their confidence for a more engaging language learning environment.