Abstract
This research aims to explore how English Education study program students improve their English speaking skills through the Free4talk platform. Many students experience difficulties in oral communication due to anxiety and lack of confidence. Free4talk, as an audio-based online conversation platform. Offers a language practice space that is informal, real-time, and supports interaction between fellow learners and native/non-native speakers. A phenomenological approach was used in this study as it aims to understand students’ direct experience of using Free4talk. Data was collected through semi-structured interview with five seventh-semester students over a one-month period. Each interview session lasted 30 to 40 minutes. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques, and data collection was stopped when no new themes emerged (data saturation). The results showed that students had positive perception of using Free4talk, with improvements in confidence, speaking fluency, and pronunciation. The informal atmosphere of the platform helps to reduce speaking anxiety, while exposure to different types of speakers promote adaptability in communication. However, there were challenges such as technical limitations and lack of structure in the learning experience. The findings highlight the potential of Free4talk in supporting EFL students’ speaking skill development and the importance of structure mentoring for the benefits to be maximized.
Recommended Citation
Tobing, S.,
&
Damanik, E.
(2025).
EFL students’ perception toward Free4talk in enhancing speaking ability.
Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, 32(1).
Available at:
https://citeus.um.ac.id/jpp/vol32/iss1/3