MENGGUNAKAN PERMAINAN MENGHUBUNGKAN KATA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KOSAKATA SISWA KELAS SEPULUH SMAN 5 PALU

Jihan Selasih S (A12121224). Using Word Connection Game to Improve
Vocabulary Mastery of the Tenth Grade Students of SMAN 5 Palu. Skripsi,
English Education Study Program, Language and Art Education Department,
Teacher Training and Education Faculty, Tadulako University. Under the
supervision of Jamiluddin and Afrillia Anggreni.
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Word Connection Game in
improving the vocabulary mastery of tenth-grade students at SMAN 5 Palu. A
quasi-experimental research design was employed, involving two classes: X M4
as the experimental group consisting of 28 students and X M1 as the control group
consisting of 28 students. The experimental group was taught using the Word
Connection Game, while the control group received conventional teaching
methods. Random sampling was used to select the sample. The data were
collected through pre-tests and post-tests. The results of the analysis showed that
the mean score of the experimental group increased significantly from 45.18 in the
pre-test to 87.61 in the post-test, while the control group showed a smaller
improvement from 41.36 to 60.68. Furthermore, the Mann–Whitney U test
revealed a significance value (Asymp. Sig. 2-tailed) of 0.000, which is lower than
the significance level of 0.05. This result indicates that there was a statistically
significant difference in vocabulary mastery between the experimental and control
groups, leading to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (H?) and the
rejection of the null hypothesis (H?). Based on these findings, it can be concluded
that the Word Connection Game is an effective and engaging non-digital learning
strategy for improving students’ vocabulary mastery. The game creates an
enjoyable and interactive learning environment that encourages students to
participate actively and enhances vocabulary retention, even in the digital era.
Keywords: Vocabulary Mastery, Word Connection Game, Quasi-Experimental
Study