THE USE OF WORDWALL TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY OF GRADE VIII-G AT NURUL JADID JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Abstrak

Acquiring a robust vocabulary is a fundamental aspect of English language acquisition, particularly for secondary school students in the initial stages of developing sophisticated linguistic abilities. A significant number of students commonly encounter difficulties in retaining, comprehending, and applying newly learned words, often due to a reliance on conventional pedagogical approaches. This Classroom Action Research (CAR) endeavor seeks to enhance vocabulary proficiency among students through the integration of Wordwall, an interactive digital tool that incorporates gamified learning experiences. The study encompassed 30 participants from class VIII-G at Nurul Jadid Junior High School. The research was executed over a one-month period across two distinct cycles, each comprising planning, execution, observation, and reflective assessment. Data acquisition involved pre-testing, post-testing, the utilization of observation forms, surveys, and discussions with two designated students, Atiqoh and Alfia. The research conducted indicated a substantial enhancement in students' proficiency with vocabulary. The average score increased from 60 in the initial assessment to 80 in the subsequent assessment, reflecting an improvement of 20 points. Furthermore, participants expressed positive reception to the implementation of Wordwall, describing the learning activities as more engaging, interactive, and comprehensible. The qualitative data indicated that Wordwall fostered a dynamic classroom environment, promoting constructive rivalry, elevating student involvement, and facilitating superior recall of vocabulary concepts. Despite encountering certain minor challenges, including unreliable internet access and constraints related to game-specific time limitations, Wordwall demonstrated its efficacy. The study's conclusions assert that Wordwall serves as a valuable instrument for augmenting vocabulary acquisition and stimulating student interest in English language learning.