AN ANALYSIS OF EFL TEACHING STRATEGIES AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN ACEH DISTRICT

Jamaliah Jamaliah, Safana Nurlida, Farizawati Farizawati

Abstract


This study explores teaching strategies that can increase students' motivation in learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in junior high schools. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with English teachers from two junior high schools. The findings revealed that teachers implemented various strategies to improve students' motivation, including giving praise and rewards, creating a supportive and comfortable classroom atmosphere, utilizing digital media, applying cooperative learning methods, providing clear and specific feedback, organizing confidence-building activities, and adopting contextual learning that connects lessons to students' real-life experiences. These strategies effectively enhanced students' motivation, participation, confidence, and active engagement in learning English. The study emphasizes the importance of applying creative, interactive, and student-centered teaching approaches to foster enthusiasm, improve language acquisition, build self-confidence, and reduce students' learning anxiety in the EFL classroom. These findings provide valuable insights for English teachers to develop more engaging and effective learning strategies for young adolescent learners.

Keywords: cooperative learning; digital media; English learning; motivation; teaching strategies.


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