THE EFFECT OF USING CROSSWORD PUZZLE TOWARD VOCABULARY MASTERY AT EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS AT SMP NEGERI 1 TELUK PINANG

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating crossword puzzles to enhance vocabulary mastery among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Teluk Pinang. The study involved two groups: the experimental class (Class VIII.1) and the control class (Class VIII.2), each comprising 25 students selected through total sampling. The primary focus of this research was to identify whether a notable difference in vocabulary mastery emerged between students who received instruction through crossword puzzles and those taught without using crossword puzzles. Pre-tests and post-tests were administered to both groups to collect data before and after the intervention. The experimental class was exposed to crossword puzzle-based vocabulary instruction, while the control class received vocabulary instruction without the use of crossword puzzles. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics, normality testing, and a paired sample t-test. The analysis revealed a marked improvement in the experimental class, where the average score rose from 37.40 (pre-test) to 61.80 (post-test). In contrast, the control class showed an increase from 41.00 to 56.60. The paired sample t-test produced a significance value (Sig. 2-tailed) of 0.000, which is below the 0.05 threshold, indicating statistical significance. Thus, the findings conclude that the use of crossword puzzles significantly contributes to improving students’ vocabulary mastery.

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