Students’ Perceptions of Youtube as A Learning Medium for Enhancing Speaking Skills in English Language Acquisition at Universitas Muhammadiyah Mataram

Abstract

This study investigates students’ perceptions of YouTube as a learning medium to improve English speaking skills, particularly pronunciation and confidence, among English Language Education students at Mataram Muhammadiyah University. In the era of Industry 4.0, YouTube offers accessible and flexible learning opportunities that support autonomous language learning through interactive digital content. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected from 29 fifth-semester students through a Likert scale questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results showed that YouTube positively impacted speaking skills, with 47.8% of students reporting improved fluency, 56.5% enhanced overall speaking ability, and 52.2% better speech organization. Confidence increased for 47.8%, while 63.6% used YouTube to learn pronunciation, grammar, and reading strategies. Additionally, 60.9% viewed YouTube as an effective learning tool. Vlogs and role plays were found helpful for creativity by 43.5% of respondents. Nearly half (47.8%) perceived greater progress compared to traditional methods, though 30.4% remained neutral, indicating diverse learner preferences. Interviews revealed YouTube’s benefits in accent acquisition, vocabulary enrichment, and confidence building, but also highlighted challenges in selecting suitable content and understanding varied accents. The study recommends combining YouTube with other teaching methods to maximize learning outcomes and stresses the need for guided practice to address digital learning barriers.