Abstrak
Febriko Wandra (2319048): An Analysis of Students' Difficulties Factors in Learning English at SMPN 2 Mapattunggul. A Thesis, English Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, State Islamic University of Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, 2026. Students' difficulties in learning English remain one of the major challenges, particularly in rural schools where educational resources and English exposure are limited. Based on preliminary observations conducted at SMPN 2 Mapattunggul, students experienced difficulties related to lack of exposure to English, limited learning resources and facilities, low learning motivation and family support, and difficulties in the learning process. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the factors contributing to students' difficulties in learning English and to identify the teacher's strategies to solve those difficulties. This research employed a descriptive quantitative design. The participants consisted of 17 students of SMPN 2 Mapattunggul who were selected using total sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire developed based on the research indicators. The collected data were analyzed using the Guttman Scale by calculating the scores, percentages, and categories of each indicator. The findings revealed that the indicators of Students' Difficulties in Learning English and Strategies Used by Teachers to Solve Difficulties in Learning English in Rural Areas were categorized as Very High. The results indicated that students' difficulties were mainly influenced by lack of exposure to English, limited learning resources and facilities, low learning motivation and family support, and difficulties in the learning process. The findings also showed that the teacher solved these difficulties by utilizing innovative teaching methods, continuously providing motivation and encouragement, improving professional competence, and promoting communication and collaboration with parents. These findings indicate that both the factors influencing students' difficulties and the teacher's strategies were consistent with the theoretical framework used in this research.