Increasing Vocabulary Mastery Through Kahoot: A Classroom Action Research at SMP Bhakti Pertiwi : Penelitian

Wildani Mukhollafah; Sofyan Adi Pranata; Mutiatul Ummah

doi:10.31004/jerkin.v4i2.3586

Authors

Wildani Mukhollafah Universitas Nurul Jadid
Sofyan Adi Pranata Universitas Nurul Jadid
Mutiatul Ummah Universitas Nurul Jadid

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31004/jerkin.v4i2.3586

Keywords:

Vocabulary mastery, Kahoot, Classroom Action Research (CAR), Kemmis and McTaggart, English Learning

Abstract

This study aimed to increase students' vocabulary proficiency by utilizing Kahoot! as an interactive learning tool at SMP Bhakti Pertiwi. It addressed the core issue of inadequate English vocabulary mastery, which impeded students' effective communication skills. The research employed the Classroom Action Research (CAR) model by Kemmis and McTaggart, conducted across four phases: planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection. Participants included 26 eighth-grade students. Data collection involved vocabulary tests, classroom activity observations, and student feedback surveys. Results demonstrated a marked increase in average vocabulary scores, rising from 58.2 in the pre-cycle to 72.6 in Cycle I and further to 84.1 in Cycle II. Additionally, students' motivation and participation exhibited substantial enhancements. These outcomes indicated that Kahoot! integration effectively bolstered vocabulary acquisition and created a more dynamic and engaging English learning atmosphere. Consequently, the findings suggest that game-based educational platforms, such as Kahoot!, can be seamlessly incorporated into middle school English curricula to promote greater student involvement and enhance vocabulary retention.

References

Afandi, M. D., Zaniar, S., Shari, D., Aquariza, N. R., & Basuki, E. P. (2025). Application of the Jigsaw Technique to Enhance Student Motivation and Engagement in Vocabulary Learning. September.

Ashar, Khartha, Abin, & Suryadi, 2025. (2022). Jurnal Paedagogy. Jurnal Paedagogy, 9(1), 2022. https://e-journal.undikma.ac.id/index.php/pedagogy/index

Devitriana, A., & Wijirahayu, S. (2025). The Engaging Interactive Kahoot Application for Vocabulary Mastery and Students’ Motivation. Journal of English Teaching, Literature, and Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.30587/jetlal.v9i1.9325

EF EPI, 2024. (2024). EF English Proficiency Index 2024: Ranking of English Skills Worldwide. https://www.ef.com/epi/

Kemmis, Stephen; McTaggart, R. (1988). The Action Research Planner Geelong: Deakin University (3rd Editio). Deakin University Press. https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/18975379

Miles, Matthew B.; Huberman, A. Michael; Saldaña, J. (2004). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook (3rd Editio). SAGE Publications. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/qualitative-data-analysis/book239534

Nation, I. S. P. (2022). Learning vocabulary in another language. Learning Vocabulary in Another Language, 1–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0889-4906(02)00014-5

Patmala, K., & Wisran, W. (2025). ROLE, AUDIENCE, FORMAT, AND TOPIC (RAFT) Strategy to Enhance EFL Learners’ Descriptive Writing: A Study in an Indonesian Madrasah. 11(02).

Penton. (2025). The Influence of Game-Based Learning Using Kahoot on The English Vocabulary Mastery of Freshmen Serly Susanti Penton Universitas Tribuana Kalabahi. 11(June), 326–337.

Shofiana, K. L., Maemanah, A., & English, ). (2025). Exploring the Use of Kahoot as a Game-Based Learning Tools in Vocabulary Teaching to Senior High School Students: A Systematic Review. Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Pendidikan Indonesia, 4(2), 893–901. https://jpion.org/index.php/jpi893JournalWebsite:https://jpion.org/index.php/jpi

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. In E. Cole, M., John-Steiner, V., Scribner, S., & Souberman (Ed.), Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-19850401-09

Widiyanti, A., & Maulana, A. (2025). Indonesian Journal of Educational Research ( IJE R ) Peningkatan Semangat Belajar Bahasa Arab melalui Media Matching Game Tema at-Tasawwuq Indonesian Journal of Educational Research ( IJE R ). 1(4), 14–18.