THE EFFECT OF THE BUSUU APPLICATION ON STUDENTS' SPEAKING PERFORMANCE AT SMA SWASTA UTAMA MEDAN

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.