The THE USE OF DIGITAL WORDWALL TO ENHANCE ENGLISH VOCABULARY MASTERY AT FIRST GRADE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of Digital Wordwall application in enhancing English vocabulary mastery among first-grade junior high school students compared to conventional teaching methods. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 69 seventh-grade students from SMP Dua Mei Banjaran, divided into experimental (35 students) and control groups (34 students). Data collection utilized pre-tests, post-tests, and attitude questionnaires. The experimental group received instruction using Digital Wordwall activities (Wordsearch, Anagram, and Unjumble), while the control group used conventional methods. Results showed significant improvement in the experimental group's post-test scores (mean: 83.6) compared to the control group (mean: 66.23). T-test analysis revealed a calculated t-value of 3.494, exceeding the critical value of 2.001 (?=0.05), indicating statistically significant differences. Student attitude surveys demonstrated overwhelmingly positive responses, with 100% enjoying vocabulary learning through Wordwall and 96% reporting enhanced motivation and comprehension. The findings confirm that Digital Wordwall is significantly more effective than conventional methods for vocabulary instruction, offering an engaging and motivating learning experience for ESL students.

Keywords: Digital Wordwall; vocabulary mastery; ESL learning; educational technology; junior high school