Enhancing English Language Proficiency: Strategies for Improving Student Skills

English language proficiency is a critical skill for academic success, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse students. This article aims to provide educators with effective strategies to assist these students in developing the literacy skills necessary for academic success. The problem is that English language learners (ELLs) have particular educational needs that require specialized teaching approaches. The purpose of this article is to provide educators with effective strategies to assist ELLs in developing literacy skills crucial for academic success. The Qualitative method used is a review of literature, including theories of language acquisition and learning, differences in social and academic language, and effective English language learning strategies employed by successful language learners. The participants of this study were Thirty Students in one of the senior high schools in Lombok Timur. The results of this review include six essential strategies for teaching ELLs, including cultivating relationships and being culturally responsive, teaching language skills across the curriculum, using real objects to illustrate concepts, role-playing or pantomiming, pointing to pictures, and employing total physical response.


INTRODUCTION
English language proficiency is a crucial skill in today's globalized world.As the lingua franca of business, science, and international communication, English proficiency opens up countless opportunities for individuals in both their personal and professional lives.(Guilherme, 2007) Recognizing the significance of this skill, educational institutions and language learning centers have been focusing on developing strategies to enhance English language proficiency among students.This article aims to explore various strategies that can effectively improve students' English language skills.
Firstly, creating an immersive language learning environment is essential for enhancing English language proficiency.Immersion programs or activities that involve students actively using English in real-life situations can significantly improve their language skills.(Lan, 2020) These programs provide opportunities for students to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.Activities such as language exchange programs, English-speaking clubs, and language camps can create a supportive environment where students can interact with native or proficient English speakers, reinforcing their language skills and boosting their confidence.
Secondly, integrating technology into English language learning can be highly beneficial for students.(Cutter, 2015) With the rapid advancement of technology, various digital tools and applications offer engaging and interactive learning experiences.Online platforms, language learning apps, and language learning software provide opportunities for students to practice their language skills at their own pace and convenience.These tools often include features like interactive exercises, vocabularybuilding activities, and pronunciation guides, which cater to different learning styles and make the learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Furthermore, incorporating authentic materials into the curriculum can significantly enhance students' English language proficiency.(Guo, 2012) Authentic materials refer to real-life resources such as newspapers, magazines, videos, and podcasts that reflect the language and culture used by native English speakers.By exposing students to authentic materials, they develop a better understanding of the language in its natural context, improve their vocabulary, and enhance their comprehension skills.Authentic materials also expose students to different accents, dialects, and cultural nuances, making their language skills more versatile and adaptable.
Another effective strategy in language learning is to provide regular and constructive feedback to students.(Akcan & Tatar, 2010) Feedback plays an important role in the language learning process in the classroom, as it helps students identify their strengths and areas that need improvement.Teachers can provide feedback on students' English language abilities in writing and speaking, highlighting grammar errors, pronunciation issues, and language usage.In addition, personalized feedback allows students to work on specific areas that need improvement, leading to targeted language development.
Feedback can be given in various ways, including verbal and non-verbal expressions such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.Personalized feedback not only helps students improve their language skills but also shows them that their efforts are recognized and valued, which can be a great motivation for them to continue learning and achieve their goals.Therefore, teachers should take the time to provide individual feedback to each student.Lastly, creating opportunities for language practice outside the classroom is vital for enhancing English language proficiency.(Yol & Yoon, 2020) Encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities such as debates, public speaking contests, or drama clubs can help them practice their English skills in real-life scenarios.These activities not only foster language fluency but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, which are essential for effective language use.
In conclusion, enhancing English language proficiency requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses both classroom and real-life experiences.Creating an immersive language learning environment, integrating technology, integrating authentic materials, providing regular feedback, and promoting extracurricular language practice are effective strategies for improving students' English language skills.By implementing these strategies, educators can empower students to become confident and proficient English language users, equipping them with a valuable asset that opens doors to a globalized world.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Theoretical Review, Framework, and Hypothesis Good and proper English language skills are crucial for students to develop, as it is the international language of communication.(Abbasi, Siddiqi, & Azim, 2011) However, many students face difficulties and problems in the process of learning English, which can hinder their ability to succeed in school and in the future.This review aims to explore effective strategies for improving English language skills among students.
The developmental stages of language acquisition must be understood, and training must follow the steps adolescents take to achieve conversational and academic language.(Nagy & Townsend, 2012) This study emphasizes the necessity of knowing the developmental phases of language acquisition and adapting training accordingly.
The use of technology in language learning has been shown to be beneficial in improving English language proficiency.(Clark, 2013) Language learning apps, online games, and interactive films, for example, can help students practice their language abilities in a fun and engaging way.Explicit training in grammar and vocabulary has also been demonstrated to be useful in boosting English language ability.(Martin & Ellis, 2012) Explicit instruction entails teaching pupils the norms and structures of the English language, which can be beneficial.
Focus on academic language, literacy, and vocabulary.Reading, writing, and vocabulary exercises are essential building blocks for developing language fluency, but they are only part of what is needed.Students who appear fully fluent in English may nonetheless struggle to express themselves effectively in academic settings, as they lack the words and phrases needed to connect their ideas and discuss them with others.Provide opportunities for authentic language use.Authentic language use involves exposing students to real-life situations where they can use: English to communicate with others, such as field trips, guest speakers, and community service initiatives.Make use of technology to improve language learning.Language learning apps, online games, and interactive films, for example, can give students with opportunity to practice their language abilities in a fun and engaging way.Provide explicit grammar and vocabulary training.Explicit instruction entails teaching pupils the norms and structures of the English language, which can aid in their language development.
Based on the theoretical review and framework, it is hypothesized that implementing strategies such as focusing on academic language, literacy, and vocabulary, providing opportunities for authentic language use, using technology to enhance language learning, and providing explicit instruction in grammar and vocabulary will enhance English language proficiency among students.(Cole & Feng, 2015) By implementing these strategies, students can improve their language skills and achieve success in their academic and professional lives.

METHOD
Review Literature was applied as the research design in this study, including theories of language acquisition and learning, differences in social and academic language, and effective English language learning strategies employed by successful language learners.(August, 2018) This study investigated strategies for enhancing English language proficiency using a literature review, observation, and interviews to gather the data.The participants of this study were forty Students in one of the senior high schools in Lombok Timur.

Data collection technique
Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on strategies for improving English language proficiency in students.This will provide a theoretical foundation and help identify key concepts and approaches.

Observations
The data from observation was needed to answer the research objective, which was about strategies for improving students-skills.Conducting classroom observations to observe students' language proficiency in real-time.This can involve noting their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as their engagement and participation in language activities.

Interviews
Developing interviews to gather data from students.This can include questions about current language proficiency levels, perceived challenges, preferred learning strategies, and suggestions for improvement.

Data Analysis
The collected data from literature reviews, observations, and interviews was analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques and qualitative analysis methods.This can involve organizing and categorizing the data, identifying patterns and trends, and drawing conclusions based on the findings.

FINDINGS
Developing English language skills is crucial for students who are not native English speakers.This requires continuous effort and practice to improve language skills.(Rao, 2019) This research identifies various strategies and ways that can help students improve and develop their English language skills, including: 1. Watching English movies: Watching English movies can be one of the strategies to improve English language skills, as students are exposed to natural conversations, vocabulary, and pronunciation.2. Immersing oneself in English news: Reading and listening to English news can develop and enrich vocabulary, knowledge, and overall language skills.3. Creating a useful vocabulary book: Creating a vocabulary book regularly and adding new words obtained by students can enrich their vocabulary and improve their ability to express themselves.4. Speaking in English: Speaking in English, whether with native speakers or fellow learners, by providing exercises that can help improve their abilities.5. Consistent practice: Consistent practice is the key to improving language skills.
Students should allocate their time regularly to reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English.
1. Focus on academic language, literacy, and vocabulary: Developing academic language skills is crucial for students to succeed in academic environments.Teachers should provide students with an understanding of the importance of reading, writing, and vocabulary exercises to improve their language fluency.2. Building cultural relationships and responsiveness: Building good interactions with students and creating a friendly environment that recognizes their cultural backgrounds can enhance their language learning experience.3. Teaching language skills across the curriculum: Integrating language skills into various subjects helps students apply their language knowledge in different contexts and strengthens their learning.4. Providing extra time and regular breaks: Students with language challenges need extra time and regular breaks to process information effectively and participate effectively in class activities. 5. Increasing language exposure and comprehension: Teachers should provide clear and easy-to-understand input to students, using visuals, movements, and other techniques to support their understanding.6. Providing written copies of instructions and examples: Providing written copies of instructions and examples can help students understand and follow instructions.7. Modifying instructions for English language learners: Teachers may need to modify outcomes or select outcomes from a lower level to meet the needs of English language learners in the early stages of language acquisition.8. Speaking slowly and increasing wait time: Speaking slowly and providing extra time for students to process information can support their understanding and language development.9. Providing individual evaluation and intervention: Individual evaluation and remediation by qualified professionals can benefit students with language challenges by helping them overcome their skill deficiencies.10.Integrating culturally responsive practices: By recognizing local language and prior knowledge, students can integrate culturally responsive practices that can create a relaxed, responsive, and inclusive learning environment

DISCUSSION
This study tries to find out the most effective strategies for improving Indonesian students English language skills, especially in one of the Senior high schools in Lombok Timur.(Tanjung, 2018) The results of this study include six essential strategies for teaching ELLs, including cultivating relationships and being culturally responsive, teaching language skills across the curriculum, using real objects to illustrate concepts, role-playing or pantomiming, pointing to pictures, and employing total physical response.

CONCLUSION
This study aimed to find out strategies for improving Students Englissh language skills.Enhancing English language proficiency requires a combination of strategies, including regular practice, exposure to English-language media, and targeted instruction.By implementing these strategies, students can improve their language skills and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.