ANALYZING FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO STUDENTS’ ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS (A Case Study at Sukma Bangsa School at Lhokseumawe)

This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to students’ English speaking skills at Sukma Bangsa School in Lhokseumawe. Employing a qualitative case study design, this research focuses on high-achieving students in terms of English speaking skills, as a representative case of exceptional speaking proficiency. Data were collected through unstructured interviews to explore both the contributing factors and the reasons behind their effectiveness. The findings reveal that students’ English speaking skills are influenced by a combination of interconnected factors, including internal learner factors (motivation, self-confidence, autonomy), learning environment factors (teaching methods, classroom interaction, school culture), linguistic process factors (input, output, and interaction), technology and digital exposure, extracurricular and international experiences, and early exposure to English in daily life. Among these, strong intrinsic motivation, supportive school environment, consistent practice, and extensive exposure to authentic English through digital media and social interaction were identified as the most dominant contributors. Furthermore, the study finds that these factors contribute effectively because they create a holistic and immersive learning ecosystem that encourages active communication, reduces anxiety, and promotes continuous language use both inside and outside the classroom. The integration of communicative teaching approaches, experiential learning, and informal digital learning plays a significant role in enhancing students’ fluency, confidence, and communicative competence. iv This study contributes to the field of English language education by providing empirical insights into how multiple factors interact to support speaking skill development in an Indonesian educational context. The findings offer practical implications for educators, students, and institutions seeking to improve English speaking proficiency through comprehensive and supportive learning environments.