Enhancing Students’ Speaking Confidence through the Professional Development of English Teachers: A Study at MAN Bondowoso Class XK

Abstract

This study explores the impact of professional development (PD) on English teachers’ pedagogical competence and its relationship with students’ speaking confidence at MAN Bondowoso Class X K. The research aims to identify current teacher competencies, challenges in implementing communicative language teaching (CLT), and the need for technology integration and student-centered learning approaches. A descriptive qualitative method was applied using questionnaires distributed to seven English teachers and ten students. The results show that all seven teachers responded “agree,” reflecting positive engagement in PD, while all ten students responded “strongly agree,” showing strong confidence in their teachers’ methods and increased motivation in speaking English. The findings highlight that continuous PD, especially in CLT, technology integration, and student-centered strategies, significantly contributes to improving students’ speaking confidence. Recommendations include institutional support for sustained PD programs, collaboration among teachers, and workshops focusing on communicative and technology-based teaching practices