Abstrak
ABSTRACT Emrika Putri Rahayu Hasibuan 2321042 “The Implementation of Principles For Teaching Speaking in Merdeka Curriculum of Eleventh Grade at SMA Negeri 1 Baso”. Undergraduated Thesis, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Science, UIN Sjech M Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, 2026. This study aimed to describe the implementation of the Principles for Teaching Speaking based on Brown’s (2007) theory in the Merdeka Curriculum at the eleventh grade of SMA Negeri 1 Baso and to identify the challenges faced by teachers and students during its implementation. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. The participants of this study were two English teachers who taught the eleventh grade at SMA Negeri 1 Baso. The data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. To ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, source triangulation and technique triangulation were applied. The findings revealed that both teachers had implemented most of Brown’s (2007) Principles for Teaching Speaking in their classroom practices. The teachers balanced fluency and accuracy through various speaking activities, including group discussions, presentations, dialogues, and question-and-answer sessions. They also employed motivating techniques, encouraged students to use English in authentic contexts, provided appropriate feedback and correction, integrated listening and speaking activities, offered opportunities for students to initiate communication, and helped students develop speaking strategies. However, the implementation of these principles had not been fully optimized due to several challenges, such as students’ limited vocabulary, low self-confidence, differences in speaking proficiency, and limited instructional time. Overall, the implementation of the Principles for Teaching Speaking supported a studentcentered speaking instruction that aligns with the characteristics and objectives of the Merdeka Curriculum.