Integrating Storynomics into Language Education to Enhance Speaking Skills of Tourism Students in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Speaking is a highly prioritized skill in English language learning, particularly in tourism. Storynomics is an approach in tourism that emphasizes storytelling, creative content, and living culture, utilizing culture's power as a destination's fundamental essence. This study aims to examine how the storynomics strategy can promote the’ speaking competence of tourism students in Bali. The study employed Research and Development (R&D) with an Exploratory Mixed Method design. Quasi-experimental research was applied to determine the effectiveness of the material design for students in the Tourism Management Department. The students were divided into two groups of 30 students in each group. The data were obtained through pretest and posttest speaking tests after the treatment was given. The result of the test indicated there is a significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group taught the storynomics strategy throughout the study to promote speaking ability, while the control group continued with conventional methods. At the end of treatment, a posttest was conducted in two groups, and the test results were compared. Statistical analysis showed that the experimental group obtained a higher average score in the posttest with an N-gain score of 0.58. These findings emphasize the positive impact of implementing a storynomics strategy in learning English as a foreign language, especially for describing local culture. It is expected that further development can be made in designing other teaching materials using a cultural approach and more diverse communication strategies with other theories or approaches. In addition, a deeper analysis is needed regarding the linguistic aspects of English language learning in the field of tour guiding.