Honing ECOmates English Skill Through UKM ECO UINSI Samarinda in COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT. English Community Organization (ECO) UINSI Samarinda is a Student Activity Unit (UKM) that has a vision and mission to increase English interests and talents students UINSI Samarinda. ECOmates is the name for students who join this Organization. ECO has many work programs. Some of them have a focus to improves the English knowledge and skill of ECOmates. In a pandemic situation, some agendas are held virtually, because some of the ECOmates are not in Samarinda. However, sometimes those activities are done offline in the campus environment with the note look the condition and situation. Students who joined this unit are not only those who have skills with English already but also students who are not skillful in it. The researcher was interested to take a look at how far the developments of ECOmates whose routine followed ECO’s Programs during the pandemic. The research conducted by the researcher has aimed to assessing and gathering information about the development of ECOmates capabilities with the programs owned by ECO UINSI Samarinda during the Covid-19 pandemic. The method used is a qualitative research method with a focus on the subject of ECOmates 2020 generation. The purpose of the researcher takes the subjects of the ECOmates 2020 generation because they are involved with ECO Programs during the pandemic. This study found that several aspects affect the success of the performance of ECO programs, such as methods, materials, and environment. Some ECOmates who regularly participate in the ECO program during the pandemic have improved their English skills quite well. Research data shows that some ECOmates are quite satisfied with the programs run by ECO. The results of this study are used not only for the benefit of ECOmates but will be applied to all students of UINSI Samarinda who are interested in developing their English.