Teachers‟ Strategies and Challenge in Teaching English at Maritime High School

This research is intended to explore the teachers‟ strategies and challenges in teaching English for Maritime to students of Nautical Fishing Vessel program at SMKN 4 Banda Aceh. The research method adopted by the researcher is qualitative. The data are taken from non-participant observation in the teaching and learning process, interview with a teacher and two students, and documentation. The result of this research showed that the strategies used by the teacher in teaching English for Maritime are (1) applying contextual learning, (2) memorizing vocabulary, (3) utilizing dialogue and role play, and (4) optimizing motivational strategy. While the challenges faced by the teacher in teaching English for Maritime are (1) lack of students‟ ability in mastering vocabulary, (2) lack of students‟ discipline and motivation, (3) unsystematic and un-formatted lesson plan, (4) and teacher‟s background as a non-English teacher. Based on the findings above, this research offers several suggestions to cope the challenges faced by the teacher. The teacher should evaluate the process of planning and implementation of the teaching and learning regularly, develop systematic lesson plan, and utilize more appropriate strategies, and develop basic English skill.