The Use of Duolingo to Enhance Speaking Proficiency

Abstract

Speaking English was crucial for communication and accessing opportunities around the world, yet many students found it difficult to improve speaking skills. This emphasized the necessity of useful resources that provide frequent and engaging speaking practice. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Duolingo as a tool for improving English speaking skills, providing valuable insights for language learners and educators. The researcher sought to understand students' perceptions of Duolingo in enhancing their speaking abilities and observe how well it worked when used with students. The participants were second and third-year students from a private university in Central Java. In this study, the researcher combined quantitative and qualitative techniques in a mixed-methods strategy, with a questionnaire and interview as instruments. The study found that Duolingo effectively improves students’ speaking skills. Participants reported better pronunciation, fluency, and confidence, supporting its effectiveness as a language learning tool, particularly for English speaking.