Jurnal Serunai Bahasa Inggris

EMBODIED INTIMACY AND SOFT POWER IN INDONESIAN CINEMA: A CULTURAL AND POSTCOLONIAL READING OF PANGKU

2025-12-09T21:20:47+07:00

This study explores the gesture of pangku—holding or seating someone on one’s lap—as a site of embodied intimacy in contemporary Indonesian cinema, while examining its role in projecting Indonesia’s soft power. Pangku is commonly portrayed as an affectionate familial gesture, but cinematic representations reveal deeper cultural, social, and political meanings. The study aims to analyze how pangku functions narratively and semiotically, and how it contributes to Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy by promoting national identity and values globally. A qualitative approach was employed, analyzing four contemporary Indonesian films 2024 and conducting semi-structured interviews with five film scholars. Thematic narrative analysis, combined with a postcolonial lens, was used to uncover the symbolic and ideological layers of pangku. Findings suggest that pangku not only conveys intimacy and care but also communicates cultural values that can enhance Indonesia’s soft power. The gesture simultaneously reflects societal hierarchies and postcolonial influences, providing a medium for cultural expression and global image-building. This study contributes theoretically to film and postcolonial studies and practically to cultural diplomacy and international relations.

THE IMPACT OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS ON ENGLISH LEARNING MOTIVATION

2026-01-22T12:46:28+07:00

The purpose of this study is to determine how the tendency of tenth-grade students at SMAS Bintang Langkat to learn English is influenced by the use of AI. This study focuses on applications such as ChatGPT to determine how they affect students' interest, engagement, and understanding. The researchers used a qualitative approach and case study design to select students through purposive sampling to obtain relevant insights. Observations, documentation, and interviews were used to collect data. The results of the study show that AI applications make many students more motivated and enthusiastic. They also said that AI makes learning English easier and more enjoyable. In conclusion, the use of AI applications has a positive impact on students' learning motivation and makes the English learning experience more interactive and interesting.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF USING PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN READING CLASS AT INDONESIAN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY

2025-08-20T13:31:31+07:00

Reading comprehension is a fundamental component of English language learning at the tertiary level. However, many students still face significant challenges in processing and understanding complex academic texts, which hinders their academic progress. Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a student-centered pedagogical approach that emphasizes active inquiry, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, offers an alternative method to foster deeper engagement and enhance comprehension. This study explores students’ perceptions of the implementation of PBL in reading classes at an Indonesian Islamic University. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with four second-year English Education students who had prior experience with PBL-based learning. Thematic analysis revealed that students generally hold a positive view of PBL. They reported that PBL effectively encourages active participation, improves text comprehension, and fosters learning motivation through relevant and meaningful tasks. Collaboration within groups was also found to enhance their communication and teamwork skills. Supporting factors identified include the use of authentic reading materials, opportunities for discussion and reflection, and the instructor's role as a supportive facilitator. Nonetheless, several challenges were also noted, such as limited learning time, uneven group contributions, varying reading abilities among group members, and difficulties in understanding academic vocabulary. The findings suggest that while PBL is effective in enhancing reading comprehension and promoting student-centered learning, its successful implementation requires careful planning, scaffolding strategies, and continuous support from instructors to overcome the identified constraints.

THE USING OF DIGITAL STORIES ON STUDENTS’ LISTENING COMPREHENSION AT TENTH GRADE SMA SWASTA BINTANG LANGKAT STABAT IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025

2025-12-17T16:10:39+07:00

ABSTRACT

This research was an quantitative descriptive method with a total number of 10th grade students at SMA Swasta Bintang Langkat being 34, but at the time of the study the number of students present was only 28 students and this number was what the researcher made the minimum population of one class which was also considered a sample, namely a minimum of 28 students, using a total sampling technique. Data were obtained using a listening test presented through digital media. The results of the data analysis showed that the average score of students was 94.11, standard deviation 4.42, median 95, mode 90 and 95, and the average score (mean) 94.11. According to the validity test, 16 of the 20 questions were valid (r> 0.30), In contrast, the results of the reliability test using Cronbach's Alpha had a value of 0.82, which indicates a high reliability threshold. This shows that the use of digital stories is effective and interesting in improving students' listening comprehension. Based on these findings, it was concluded that digital storytelling was effective and engaging in improving students' listening skills. This medium not only made it easier for students to understand spoken texts but also increased their desire to learn and encouraged them to actively participate in the learning process. Therefore, digital storytelling was recommended as an innovative alternative method for teaching English to secondary students.

STIMULATION OF STUDENTS ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILL IN USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR GRADE X SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PABA BINJAI

2025-11-14T12:28:33+07:00

This research aims to investigate the stimulation of students' English speaking skills through the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically using the ELSA Speak application, among Grade X students at SMA PABA Binjai. The background of the study is rooted in the low speaking performance of students, who often lack confidence, fluency, and sufficient vocabulary when speaking English. The integration of AI in language learning is expected to create more personalized, interactive, and effective learning experiences. This qualitative descriptive research involved two classes (X-1 and X-2) as the subjects and focused on observing changes in students’ motivation, confidence, and pronunciation skills before and after the use of the ELSA Speak application. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, interviews, and observations during a four-week learning period. The findings revealed significant improvements in students’ speaking performance. Students became more motivated and actively engaged in practicing English speaking through the app's interactive features. Verbal confidence increased, as seen from louder voice projection, reduced hesitation, and better pronunciation. Non-verbal aspects such as eye contact and body posture also improved, indicating increased self-confidence. Moreover, the instant feedback and structured exercises provided by ELSA Speak effectively supported students in correcting pronunciation errors and improving fluency. The research concludes that AI-based learning tools like ELSA Speak can be highly beneficial in enhancing students' English speaking skills, especially in terms of motivation, confidence, and pronunciation accuracy. This study also highlights the potential of AI to transform traditional English learning into a more dynamic and student-centered experience.

PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS PADA MAHASISWA FAKULTAS FARMASI INSTITUTE KESEHATAN HELVETIA MEDAN

2025-09-23T16:10:53+07:00

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis persepsi mahasiswa Fakultas Farmasi Institut Helvetia Medan terhadap pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris. Penguasaan Bahasa Inggris dianggap krusial bagi mahasiswa farmasi untuk bersaing di era global. Meskipun demikian, observasi awal menunjukkan adanya kendala berupa rendahnya motivasi dan kemampuan berbahasa Inggris. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan survei. Populasi dan sampel penelitian adalah 125 mahasiswa Fakultas Farmasi yang telah mengikuti mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis dengan statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata persepsi mahasiswa berada pada kategori tinggi, dengan mean empirik 32,55 yang lebih besar dari mean hipotetik 25. Temuan ini didukung oleh analisis frekuensi yang menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas responden (88 orang) berada dalam kategori Tinggi. Namun, penelitian juga menemukan adanya polarisasi yang signifikan, di mana 77 responden memiliki persepsi Rendah. Polarisasi ini mengindikasikan bahwa pandangan siswa tidak sepenuhnya homogen. Persepsi ini dipengaruhi oleh faktor internal seperti motivasi dan self-efficacy, serta faktor eksternal seperti metode pengajaran dan relevansi materi. Secara keseluruhan, meskipun persepsi cenderung positif, masih ada kelompok besar mahasiswa yang memerlukan perhatian khusus untuk meningkatkan pandangan mereka terhadap pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris.