Joining learning community as students' investment in developing English speaking confidence at SMPN 2 Gresik

This qualitative study explored the students’ investment by joining the learning community in developing English speaking confidence at SMPN 2 Gresik. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The subject of this study is the learning community members of English Lovers in the school. 5 students were selected as the interview participants. Data was collected through interview and observation. The finding showed that there are various investments of students in joining the learning community in developing English speaking confidence. The components which influence student investment are identity, capital, and ideology. Identity consists of students’ ethnicities, gender, and social class. Capital consists of time, money, and family support. While ideology refers to the students’ belief in achieving something. Those act as the crucial components which can be figured out regardless of whether students invest. The outcomes of this study also showed that learning community facilitates students’ English speaking confidence. The students showed that they have strong commitment with the community because they are aware that they want to achieve their goal. Students who join the learning community have actively participated in all community-required activities and are able to hold roles within the learning community. Students do any tasks that the tutor assigns them. Even though they were a little nervous about making grammatical mistakes, they forced themselves to talk in English throughout class every day. When teachers encourage and assist students in speaking up without fear of making mistakes, most of the students' worries can be reduced.