Utilizing YouTube Video Content “Podcast” In Improving Speaking Skill of The Eleventh-Grade Senior High School Students (A Study Case at SMA N 1 Soppeng) = Utilizing YouTube Video Content “Podcast” In Improving Speaking Skill of The Eleventh-Grade Senior High School Students (A Study Case at SMA N 1 Soppeng)

This study aims to describe the improvement in speaking skills of eleventh-grade students after learning with YouTube “podcast” content and to explore students' perceptions of how these podcasts aid in enhancing their speaking abilities at SMA N 1 Soppeng. The research focuses on the use of YouTube video content as a supplementary learning medium in classroom instruction. The researcher employed a quantitative research design involving 60 eleventh-grade students out of a total population of 351. These students participated in interviews and responded to questionnaires as part of the study sample. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests, as well as questionnaires. The research sample was drawn from classes 11.1 and 11.2 at SMA N 1 Soppeng during the 2023/2024 academic year. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in this study. The results of the speaking tests indicated a general improvement in students' speaking abilities, with an average percentage increase of 46%. Additionally, the questionnaire results revealed that students generally believe YouTube can be a valuable tool in language learning. They noted that YouTube provides additional exposure to native English speakers and practical use of English in various everyday contexts. However, some students expressed skepticism and disagreement about the effectiveness of YouTube in helping them improve their speaking skills. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that YouTube video content can aid in enhancing students' speaking abilities.

Keyword : Speaking skills, YouTube video content, students