THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ENGLISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE GAME TO IMPROVE VOCABULARY MASTERY OF 7TH GRADE STUDENTS AT SMPN 2 PONTIANAK

Abstract

Wiwin Kurnia, 12017024, 2024. The Effectiveness of English Crossword Puzzle Games to Improve Vocabulary Mastery of Students of SMPN 2 Pontianak. Thesis (S1) English Language Study Program Tadris (TBI). Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training (FTIK). Pontianak State Islamic Institute (IAIN). Advisor I: Dr. Istiqamah MA. Advisor II: Militansina M. Pd. The formulation of the problem in this study, how was the effectiveness of using a crossword puzzle game to improve vocabulary mastery of class VII students at SMPN 2 Pontianak. These were the Objectives. The first to identify the students' vocabulary mastery before the Crossword Puzzle Game is implemented, the second, to identify the students' vocabulary mastery after the Crossword Puzzle Game is implemented, and the last to describe the significance of students' vocabulary mastery. In alignment with these objectives, this research aimed to obtain empirical evidence about the use of crossword puzzle games to improve students’ vocabulary mastery. Specifically, the study sought to determine whether integrating such interactive and engaging activities into the independent curriculum. This research method was quantitative research with a quasi-experimental technique, using a pre-test and post-test experimental and control group design. The population and sample of this study were 30 students of 7th grade from class C and 30 students of 7th grade from class D. SMPN 2 Pontianak. The study used Agresti & Finlay's theory (2019) for data analysis. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. Data collection techniques included, pre-test, and post-test in the form of a written subjective test. The results of this study indicated that most students obtained grades after the treatment. The average pre-test score of students in the experimental class was 51,06, while the average post-test score was 80.06. In contrast, the average pre-test score of students in the control class was 48,56, and the average post-test score was 65.13. The statistical hypothesis test results showed that at a significance level of 5%, the t count was 11.349, while the t table with df = 30 was 2.042, indicating that t count > t table. This research concluded that crossword puzzle games in learning English vocabulary were effective and successful in improving the students' learning achievement in vocabulary mastery.