Improving the Eighth Grade Students' Vocabulary Achievement by Using Crossword Puzzles at MTsN Arjasa Jember

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to improve the eighth grade students’ active participation in the teaching learning process of vocabulary by using Crossword Puzzles at MTsN Arjasa Jember, and (2) to improve the eighth grade students’ vocabulary achievement by using Crossword Puzzles at MTsN Arjasa Jember. Crossword Puzzles used in this research were the Crossword Puzzles by using the clues in the form of phrases and sentences. The research design used in this research was a Classroom Action Research. The research area was chosen by using purposive method. The subjects of the research were determined by using purposive method. The students of class VIII-A were chosen to be the subjects of this research. The data collection methods of this research were vocabulary achievement test, observation, documentation, and interview. This research was conducted in two Cycles. The results of observations in Cycle 1 revealed the fact that as many as 61.92% of the students were categorized as active students during the teaching learning process of vocabulary and it increased up to 77.93% in Cycle 2. Further, The result of vocabulary achievement test indicated that as many as 20 students (66.7%) out of 30 students could achieve the target minimum score that was ≥ 75 in Cycle 1 and it increased up to 77.93% (24 students out of 30 students) in Cycle 2. Based on the results of this research, it was known that the use of Crossword Puzzles in teaching vocabulary could improve the eighth grade students’ vocabulary achievement.