Digital Chain Drill: A Technology-Enhanced Strategy for Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Speaking Confidence among Tenth-Grade Students A SMAN 1 Sungai Tebelian

Abstract

English speaking ability plays a crucial role in communication, yet many students still experience difficulties expressing their opinions fluently and confidently. These challenges commonly stem from limited vocabulary, insufficient speaking practice, and low self-confidence. In response to these issues, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Digital Chain Drill, a technology-enhanced version of the traditional Chain Drill, in improving students’ speaking confidence and their ability to express opinions in English. This research employed a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design. The population consisted of all tenth-grade students of SMAN 1 Sungai Tebelian and a purposive sample of 32 students from class XC participated in the study. Data were collected through a speaking performance test supported by digital recording tools and a self-confidence questionnaire. The findings indicated a significant improvement in students’ oral communication performance. The mean score increased from 41.75 in the pre-test to 66.25 in the post-test, representing a 58.68% increase. Students also demonstrated greater confidence when expressing their opinions in English, supported by structured digital repetition and technology-assisted feedback. Therefore, the Digital Chain Drill proved to be an effective technology-enhanced strategy for strengthening learning outcomes, boosting students’ speaking confidence, and supporting their ability to express opinions more fluently in English.