An Analysis of Ice-Breaking Questions Technique on Students’ Participation in Speaking Activities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31000/globish.v15i1.14466

Keywords:

ice-breaking questions, students’ participation, speaking activities, students’ perception, EFL classroom

Abstract

This study analyzed the use of ice-breaking questions as a technique to improve students' participation in English speaking activities. Many students in EFL classrooms remained passive during speaking sessions due to anxiety, low confidence, and lack of motivation. The research aimed to describe how the teacher implemented the technique and to explore students’ perceptions of its influence on their participation in speaking activities. A qualitative case study approach was used, involving 5 students from grade X Dance 4 at SMK Negeri 1 Kasihan. Data were collected through classroom observations, field notes, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that the teacher regularly used various types of ice-breaking questions, including WH-questions and funny questions, before starting the lesson. Students stated that the technique made them feel more relaxed, confident, and motivated to speak. The use of ice-breaking questions successfully created a positive classroom atmosphere that supported student interaction and active speaking participation.

Author Biographies

  • Mei Rohamah, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta
    Mei Rohamah is an undergraduate student in the English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta. Her academic interests include English speaking participation, classroom interaction, and the implementation of social constructivism in language learning. Her recent explores the use of ice-breaking question techniques to foster students' verbal participation in English speaking classes, grounded in the principles of social constructivism.
  • Nafisah Endahati, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta
    Nafisah Endahati, M.Hum is a lecturer at Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta with an academic background in humanities and English education. She has experience in supervising undergraduate research and has contributed to various scholarly activities in the field of language learning. Her interests include classroom practice, student engagement, and pedagogical innovation within English education.

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Published

2026-01-12

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Globish; Englishh-Indonesia Journal for English education and culture

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Articles

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