Abstract:
This study aims to investigate the effect of the Busuu application on students’
speaking performance at SMA Swasta Utama Medan. Speaking is one of the most
important language skills, yet many students experience difficulties in
pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary mastery, and confidence. To overcome these
problems, the use of mobile-assisted language learning, particularly the Busuu
application, is expected to provide a more interactive and effective learning
experience.
This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a non-randomized
control group pre-test and post-test design. The participants were 22 tenth-grade
students of SMA Swasta Utama Medan. The data were collected through speaking
tests administered before and after the treatment. The experimental group was
taught using the Busuu application, while the control group was taught using
conventional methods. Students’ speaking performances were assessed based on
four aspects: pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and confidence. The data were
analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test.
The results showed a significant improvement in students’ speaking skills after
using the Busuu application. The mean score increased from 60.77 in the pre-test
to 83.54 in the post-test. The t-test result indicated that the significance value (Sig.
2-tailed) was 0.000, which is lower than 0.05. This means that the alternative
hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, the use
of the Busuu application has a significant effect on improving students’ speaking
performance.
In conclusion, the Busuu application is an effective digital learning medium for
enhancing students’ speaking skills, particularly in pronunciation, fluency,
vocabulary, and confidence. It is recommended that teachers use Busuu as a
complementary tool in teaching speaking to create a more engaging and
communicative learning environment.
