Teaching Vocabulary Using Games - A Case Study of ELT Classroom at 7th Grade Students of Secondary School

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by iuabcfuw

This study examines whether game-based instruction effectively improves vocabulary teaching outcomes for seventh-grade secondary school students. An experimental design compares an experimental group with a control class, each consisting of 20 students. Vocabulary learning is evaluated through multiple-choice, word-matching, and true-false tests. Data analysis uses standard deviation and t-score comparison (tscore = 132 > 0.44), showing the game method achieves higher results than the conventional approach. The findings indicate significant improvement in students’ vocabulary mastery.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

I. Introduction

Vocabulary as a core element of English learning

Creative methods and game-based learning

Context and motivation for students

Related studies and rationale

Teaching Vocabulary Using Games: A Case Study ofELT Classroom at 7th Grade Students of Secondary School Mikhael Misa Faculty of Educational Science, Universitas Timor, East Nusa Tenggara (Kupang-NTT)–Indonesia [misamikhael@gmail.com](misamikhael@gmail.com) Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using games to teach vocabulary. To determine the effectiveness of researchers comparing learning outcomes using conventional methods with learning outcomes using games. The method used was experimental research which consisted of an experimental group and a control class consisting of 20 students each in the seventh grade of Middle School. The four types of tests are multiple-choice, word matching, and true-fall tests. To analyze the data, the researcher used the Standard Deviation. Calculation of tscore is 132 > 0.44. Compared to the t-table, the t-score is higher. Thus, this shows that there is effectiveness in teaching vocabulary by using games. As a result, using games to teach vocabulary can improve students' vocabulary mastery. This proves that students'mastery of teaching vocabulary using games is significant. Developing student success requires a good partnership, between the teacher and the students themselves. Keywords vocabulary teaching; using games; ELT Classroom I. Introduction One of the very basic elements of learning English is vocabulary. Moreover, it is important for language teaching and learning. Furthermore, of all the components of language, vocabulary is the most important. People automatically perform better in many areas when they have a large vocabulary. They may also be more confident in their ability to use it. Therefore, students should study seriously because they will have difficulty with their English skills without strong vocabulary and study techniques. Teaching vocabulary is more than just presenting new words. It also includes the choice of which term to use to indicate how often a speaker of the language uses it. In addition, strong language acquisition helps learners to express their thoughts clearly. The most important skill that students should learn is vocabulary (Alqahtani, 2015) . Without good vocabulary mastery, the intended meaning or message will not be well-received (Khan et al., 2018; Olinghouse & Wilson, 2013) . Therefore, teachers should be able to develop students' vocabulary skills in addition to teaching grammar. Teachers should use creative teaching methods to help students improve their vocabulary. Although research (Sinhaneti & Kyaw, 2012) has shown that the translation method is less effective than other approaches in improving students' vocabulary skills, teachers continue to use it. The translation technique is only used to assist students in remembering the terminology. According to Nation (2013), students are considered to have high vocabulary skills if they can spell, pronounce, understand, and use a word correctly in its context. In addition, it is important to start teaching vocabulary in elementary schools as soon as possible. Teachers should also understand that teaching vocabulary to elementary school students is different from teaching vocabulary to adults (Cahyati & Madya, 2019; Habibi & Sofwan, 2015; Juhana, 2014) . This is because primary-school-age children differ from adult learners in many ways. Children prefer to learn through interactive media such as movies, games, music, and physical activities such as dancing and singing in elementary school (Biesaga, 2017; Nabhan, 2019; Permana, 2020; Smith et al., 2016; Ulfa, 2018; Vitasmoro et al., 2019) . Students will be able to understand reading material, and other people's conversations, respond, speak clearly, and write about various themes by having a stock vocabulary. Students will not be able to contribute to the conversation, communicate some ideas, or provide information if they do not understand the meaning of the words used to address them. Teachers can

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study on vocabulary teaching?

To determine the effectiveness of using games to teach vocabulary by comparing learning outcomes from conventional methods and game-based instruction.

How was the study designed and who were the participants?

It used experimental research with an experimental group and a control class, each with 20 seventh-grade middle school students.

What tests and analysis were used to evaluate vocabulary learning?

Vocabulary was measured using multiple-choice, word matching, and true-false tests, while data were analyzed using standard deviation and t-score comparison.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by iuabcfuw