Fahrur Rozi
The objective of this research was to examine how to improve speaking skills of tertiary level Indonesian learners through a conversation lounge. The population was tertiary level Indonesian learners. This research employed a quasi experimental design. The sample consisted of 12 learners of the discipline of Management Studies of Economics Faculty of Universitas Negeri Semarang. The instruments were tests, questionnaires, and observation. The result of the research showed that the quality and quantity of learners' speaking skills in English improved when they practised English in a conversation lounge. Participation in the conversation lounge enhances learners' speaking skills and enriches their vocabulary, improves their pronunciation, strengthens grammar, and has a positive impact on their fluency. Moreover, based on the results of learners' observation in the conversation lounge, all learners enjoyed learning English in the informal setting. In brief, it is clear that doing some speaking tasks in a conversation lounge is an effective way of improving learning conditions outside of the classroom. This suggests that English teachers could be positively encouraged to use this model for teaching English at schools, colleges and universities.
Universitas Negeri Semarang, Faculty of Economic, Indonesia
