Publication Search

Working memory (WM) has been extensively studied as a cognitive factor influencing second language acquisition (SLA), but many studies treat it as a static, trait-like capacity. This approach provides limited insight into how WM works across different stages of development, proficiency levels, and learning contexts. This article combines theoretical and empirical research on working memory in SLA from a dynamic and developmental perspective, analyzing how the influence of WM varies over time and interacts with other cognitive and contextual factors. Referencing Baddeley's multicomponent model, complex dynamic systems theory, and longitudinal research, this article examines evidence regarding the role of WM in various language domains, including vocabulary learning, grammar processing, and language production. It also investigates how WM works differently at various proficiency levels and developmental periods, from childhood to adulthood. Evidence suggests that WM plays a very strong role in the early stages of learning when processing is effortful and controlled, but becomes less central as linguistic knowledge becomes automated. The relationship between WM and SLA appears to be bidirectional, with sustained language learning contributing to the development of specific WM components, particularly executive control. The influence of WM varies significantly based on task characteristics, teaching context, and learner profiles. Understanding WM as a dynamic resource rather than a fixed constraint has important pedagogical implications. Instructions that manage cognitive load, provide support, and encourage metacognitive awareness can help learners with diverse cognitive profiles. A developmental approach in WM research requires longitudinal designs and task-aligned methodologies to capture changes over time, thereby advancing theory and practice in SLA.

This study aims to describe the forms, meanings, and functions of emotive language within the “angry” community on social media platform X. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using observation and note-taking as data collection techniques. The research data consists of 52 posts containing emotive language. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions using a linguistic approach that encompasses lexical, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects. The results of the study indicate that the forms of emotive language are dominated by emotional, evaluative, and abusive vocabulary. It is also characterized by the use of non-standard language variations and letter elongation as markers of emotional intensity. In terms of meaning, emotive language possesses both denotative and connotative meanings, with connotative meanings dominating to describe the speaker’s feelings, such as anger, disappointment, and frustration. Emotive language serves expressive, social interaction, and digital interaction purposes. Thus, emotive language within the “angry” community functions not only as a means of emotional expression but also as a medium for social criticism and interaction in the digital space.  

Learning is an activity to educate students at school which aims to make science acceptable and well understood. Through the learning process, students are expected to experience positive changes, both in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and skills. One of the learning processes that has a great influence on the lives of students is learning Indonesian. Learning Indonesian is very important because it functions as the main means of communication in daily life, both orally and in writing. With good Indonesian language skills, students will find it easier to express ideas, understand information, and interact effectively with the surrounding environment. Therefore, Indonesian learning in elementary schools must be designed in a systematic, interesting, and in accordance with the characteristics of students. In addition to clear goals, appropriate strategies and solutions are also needed to overcome various difficulties that arise, such as low interest in learning, limited vocabulary, and lack of reading and writing comprehension. These efforts are expected to be able to improve the quality of Indonesian learning optimally.

The primary objective of this research is to enhance English academic proficiency among seventh-grade pupils at UPT SMP Negeri 4 Takalar, specifically regarding "Introduction" subject matter, through the application of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) framework. This study was necessitated by observed deficiencies in student engagement and challenges in vocabulary acquisition, particularly concerning regular and irregular verbs, which had previously led to unsatisfactory academic performance. Utilizing a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, the investigation was executed over two distinct cycles with a cohort of 24 students from Class VII B. Data acquisition involved the administration of performance assessments and systematic classroom observations. Subsequent analysis revealed a marked enhancement in learning achievements. During Cycle I, the mean score was recorded at 78.75, corresponding to a classical mastery rate of 37.5%. Following instructional refinements in Cycle II, the average score rose to 80.42, while the classical mastery rate increased to 50%. Moreover, observational evidence highlighted constructive behavioral shifts characterized by heightened engagement in collaborative discussions and improved oral communication confidence. Consequently, this study concludes that deploying the PBL model serves as an effective strategy for augmenting both English academic achievement and social interaction within the classroom environment.

This article investigates the effectiveness of cooperative learning using vocabulary flashcards in improving students’ mastery of English adjectives. The research was conducted due to students’ limited vocabulary knowledge. The objective of this article was to examine whether the implementation of a cooperative learning model supported by vocabulary flashcards could enhance students’ adjective mastery and learning engagement. A pre-experimental research design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was employed. The participants consisted of 15 junior high school students enrolled in an English course. Data were collected through pretest, posttest, classroom observation, and a student response questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and N-Gain analysis, while qualitative data were obtained from observation sheets and questionnaire responses. The findings indicate a noticeable improvement in students’ posttest scores compared to their pretest results, with the mean N-Gain score categorized as moderately effective. In addition, observation data revealed high levels of student participation during cooperative learning activities. Questionnaire results further showed positive student responses toward the use of cooperative learning and vocabulary flashcards, particularly in terms of motivation, confidence, and ease of understanding English adjectives. These findings suggest that cooperative learning combined with vocabulary flashcards can effectively support students’ vocabulary development and active engagement. In conclusion, the study provides empirical evidence that cooperative learning facilitates meaningful interaction and knowledge construction, supporting its implementation in English vocabulary instruction. However, future research is recommended to involve larger samples and comparative research designs to strengthen the generalizability of the findings.

The advancement of information technology has increased young children’s exposure to digital devices, which potentially affects language development. This study aims to analyze the relationship between daily screen time duration and language development of children aged 5–6 years in Desa Mendalo Indah, Kecamatan Jambi Luar Kota, Kabupaten Muaro Jambi. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. The subjects were six children aged 5–6 years who had more than two hours of daily screen time. Data were collected through observations of children’s language abilities, interviews with parents, and documentation of daily activities, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s (2014) interactive model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed variations in children’s language abilities despite having relatively similar screen time durations. Children who received active parental guidance and accessed educational content demonstrated better receptive and expressive language skills, including following sequential instructions, forming simple sentences, and expressing ideas verbally. Conversely, children who used screen time passively without supervision tended to have limitations in vocabulary acquisition, concentration, and verbal interaction. These findings indicate that screen time duration alone is not the sole determinant of children’s language development; it is also influenced by the quality of parental guidance, the type of content accessed, and social interaction experiences. This study is expected to provide guidance for parents, teachers, and early childhood education practitioners in managing digital media use wisely to optimally support children’s language development.

This study aims to examine the relationship between reading interest and students' speaking skills at the elementary school level using a literature review approach. The background of this study focuses on the importance of reading interest as an element of speaking skills that need to be honed from an early age, and there is a strong assumption that reading interest has a major influence in improving these skills. The method applied is an analysis of five scientific articles found through a search using the keywords "speaking skills", "vocabulary", and "reading interest" on Google Scholar. The results of the study showed that all studies analyzed concluded that there was a significant and positive relationship between reading interest and speaking skills. Students who have a high interest in reading generally show better speaking skills thanks to their rich vocabulary, good sentence structure, and the ability to convey ideas regularly. These findings have important implications for teachers, curriculum developers, and parents to combine reading activities with speaking activities in the educational process. Increasing literacy culture from an early age has been shown to support the development of students' oral communication skills more effectively and sustainably.

Shyness is one of the affective factors that often hinders students’ ability to speak English in the classroom, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. This study aims to investigate students’ experiences of shyness in speaking English, identify the factors contributing to their shyness, and examine its impact on their speaking learning process. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants were junior high school students who were involved in English learning activities during a community service program (KKN). Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to students’ attitudes, feelings, experiences, and coping strategies in speaking English. The findings reveal that most students experience nervousness, fear of making mistakes, and fear of being laughed at by peers when speaking English. Peer reactions, low self-confidence, limited vocabulary, and pronunciation difficulties were identified as the main factors causing shyness. Furthermore, shyness negatively affects students’ participation and willingness to practice speaking English in class. However, supportive teachers, group-based activities, and a relaxed learning atmosphere were found to help reduce students’ shyness. This study suggests that teachers should create a supportive and non-threatening classroom environment to enhance students’ confidence in speaking English.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of the artificial intelligence-based application (AI-Based Application) Duolingo in improving vocabulary mastery of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students in Indonesia. This study used a descriptive quantitative approach with a single-group pre-test and post-test design involving 20 students of class VII C of SMP Negeri 1 Mappakasunggu. Data were collected through vocabulary tests, questionnaires, and classroom observations. The results showed a significant increase in students' vocabulary mastery, marked by an increase in the average score from 61 (fair category) in the pre-test to 78 (good category) in the post-test. Most students gave a positive perception of the use of Duolingo, especially regarding the gamification features, instant feedback, and simple and attractive display, which can increase motivation and learning engagement. The results of the observation also showed that students were more active and enthusiastic in using this application compared to traditional learning methods. Thus, Duolingo can be said to be effective as an AI-based learning medium to improve vocabulary mastery of junior high school students in Indonesia.  

Listening skills are fundamental in English language learning because they are the main gateway to language proficiency. However, students often face obstacles such as differences in accents, the speed of native speakers, and limited vocabulary. This study aims to describe the use of the Spotify application as a learning medium to improve students' listening skills. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The research subjects were third-semester students of the English Education Study Program at UIN Sumatera Utara (UINSU) in class TBI 2. Data were collected through questionnaires covering content usage patterns, duration, and application feature utilization. The results showed that: Students actively use Spotify (music and podcasts) as a source of authentic language input independently. Using Spotify has a positive impact on vocabulary comprehension, pronunciation, intonation, and conversation comprehension skills. The playback speed feature helps students control the audio speed according to their ability level, making the learning process more flexible and personalized. Consistent listening duration (15–30 minutes) is effective in supporting the development of listening skills without causing cognitive fatigue.

This study aims to conceptually examine the role of visual media in Arabic vocabulary learning and its relevance in the context of education in the digital era. Vocabulary mastery is a fundamental component in learning Arabic; however, in practice, vocabulary learning often encounters various challenges, such as the abstract nature of vocabulary, low student motivation, and the dominance of conventional teaching methods. This study employed a qualitative approach using library research. Data were obtained through a review of relevant scholarly sources, including books, journal articles, and previous research related to visual media and Arabic language learning. Data were collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using content analysis to examine the concepts, roles, and effectiveness of visual media in Arabic vocabulary instruction. The findings indicate that visual media, both conventional and digital, play a significant role in improving vocabulary comprehension, strengthening memory retention, and increasing students’ motivation and engagement in the learning process. Visual media also help transform abstract vocabulary into more concrete and contextual representations, making learning more meaningful and effective. Nevertheless, the implementation of visual media still faces several challenges, including limited facilities, teachers’ digital competence, and the suboptimal use of technology in learning activities. Therefore, it is necessary to develop innovative instructional strategies and enhance teachers’ competencies to ensure that visual media can be utilized effectively and sustainably in Arabic language learning.

This study aims to analyse the difficulties experienced by female students at Tunas Ilmu Islamic Junior High School in learning English. English is an important subject in the curriculum, but some students still show difficulties in understanding and using the language effectively. This study uses a  qualitative descriptive method with observation, interviews and a questionnaire given to students. The initial results of the essay questionnaire show that 50% of students say they like English lessons, while the other 50% experience difficulties in learning. Meanwhile, the results of the multiple-choice questionnaire showed that students experienced three difficulties, namely difficulty reading sentences, understanding vocabulary, and understanding grammatical concepts. Learning difficulties are a problem that prevents students from following lessons as well as other students in general. Learning difficulties are commonly experienced by students. The results of the study show that the main difficulties students face are in speaking and listening skills, which are caused by a lack of vocabulary, low self-confidence, and limited exposure to English outside the classroom. Another contributing factor is the lack of variety in teaching methods. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as a basis for teachers to design more effective learning strategies that are tailored to the needs of students.

Early childhood (0–6 years) is a critical period in human development, often referred to as the golden age, during which all aspects of development, including language and vocabulary, grow rapidly. However, based on preliminary observations at TK Merpati, Simpang Sungai Rengas District, the vocabulary skills of children aged 4–5 years were still relatively low. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of papercraft puppet media in improving the vocabulary skills of children aged 4–5 years at TK Merpati, Simpang Sungai Rengas District. The research employed a classroom action research design conducted in three cycles. The subjects consisted of 17 children aged 4–5 years. Data were collected through observation sheets, and data analysis was carried out by comparing the percentage of children’s vocabulary achievement before and after the implementation of the papercraft puppet media in each cycle. The results indicated a significant improvement in children’s vocabulary skills. In the pre-action stage, children’s achievement was categorized as Not Yet Developed (NYD) with a percentage of 30%. In Cycle I, the percentage increased to 50% (Beginning to Develop). In Cycle II, it further improved to 76% (Developed as Expected). In Cycle III, the results reached 95% (Very Well Developed). These findings demonstrate that papercraft puppet media is effective in enhancing vocabulary development in early childhood.

Communication is a fundamental human need for conveying information and ideas. However, individuals who are deaf and mute face difficulties in communicating with the broader community that does not understand sign language. This study aims to design and implement a real-time static sign language translator into speech using five flex sensors, an MPU6050 sensor, a Raspberry Pi Pico, an ADS1115 ADC module, and a DFPlayer Mini module as the audio output medium. Testing results show that the device successfully recognizes finger movements and hand orientation. The system is capable of playing audio output corresponding to recognized gestures, with the shortest latency recorded at 1.1 seconds and the longest at 2.8 seconds, achieving a detection accuracy rate of 75% based on 60 tests across 12 sign words. This device supports the translation of 12 simple sign words. The implementation demonstrates potential as an assistive communication tool, although further development is needed to improve accuracy, expand vocabulary, and conduct trials directly with deaf or mute users.

Reading literacy in early childhood is an important foundation for children's cognitive, language, and social development in subsequent educational stages. Literacy in early childhood can begin through letter recognition, fostering interest in printed materials, enriching vocabulary, and developing oral communication skills. At this stage, the initial skill that needs to be developed is the introduction of written language through reading activities tailored to the child's developmental characteristics. However, early childhood's ability to understand reading literacy shows significant differences, both in terms of interest, ability, and environmental support. This condition indicates that reading literacy understanding in early childhood is not evenly distributed. Therefore, this community service activity aims to provide reading literacy education to early childhood through a fun, interactive, and contextual approach. The activity methods include reading assistance, the use of visual media, and the active involvement of educators and parents. The results of the activity show an increase in reading interest, letter recognition skills, and children's positive responses to literacy activities. This activity is expected to be a sustainable effort to support the strengthening of reading literacy in early childhood education.

Heritage language loss among immigrant and diaspora communities represents a critical challenge to cultural identity, intergenerational communication, and cognitive diversity. Traditional heritage language maintenance approaches face significant barriers including limited resources, lack of qualified instructors, geographic dispersion, and competing demands of dominant language acquisition. This study investigates the effectiveness of bilingual digital story applications as innovative tools for heritage language maintenance among children aged 4-12 years. Through a 24-month longitudinal mixed-methods study involving 1,843 families across eight language communities (Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Polish), we examined language proficiency development, cultural identity formation, family engagement patterns, and app usage behaviors. Quantitative analysis of pre- and post-intervention language assessments revealed statistically significant improvements in heritage language vocabulary (effect size d=0.68), listening comprehension (d=0.54), and oral production (d=0.47) among children using bilingual story apps for at least 20 minutes daily. Qualitative findings from parent interviews and child focus groups highlighted the apps' role in making heritage language learning enjoyable, facilitating parent-child interaction, connecting children to cultural narratives, and normalizing bilingualism. However, effectiveness varied substantially based on app design features, with interactive elements, culturally authentic content, parent involvement scaffolds, and adaptive difficulty showing strongest associations with outcomes. This research demonstrates that thoughtfully designed bilingual story apps can serve as accessible, scalable tools for heritage language maintenance, though they function most effectively as complements to rather than substitutes for rich home language environments and community connections. The study contributes empirical evidence to inform app development, family language planning, and policies supporting linguistic diversity in increasingly globalized societies.

Early English mastery is a long-term educational investment that should be supported by instructional approaches aligned with children’s developmental characteristics. This community service program aimed to systematically implement the *English Through Play* approach, enhance English learning interest, and create positive learning experiences for children aged 4–6 years at Samantha English Course. The program was conducted participatorily through preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages over eight weeks. The *English Through Play* approach was applied through various activities, including action songs, flashcard games, storytelling with gestures, and simple role play. Evaluation was carried out descriptively through observation of participation, verbal responses, children’s expressions, and simple oral tests to measure basic vocabulary mastery. The results showed that more than 80% of the children were actively engaged during the learning sessions. Approximately 70–85% demonstrated increased learning interest, as reflected in their enthusiasm, verbal participation, and positive responses to English instructions. In addition, most children were able to recognize and pronounce 5–10 basic vocabulary items based on the learning themes and perform simple self-introductions. The program also produced a play-based learning guide that can be sustainably implemented by the partner institution. In conclusion, the *English Through Play* approach proved effective in enhancing young learners’ interest and participation in early English learning. This model can serve as a practical and replicable alternative for similar non-formal educational institutions.

This study aims to describe teachers' strategies in developing early childhood language skills at the AS-SA'ADAH Early Childhood Education Centre. It is known that strategies are importantThis appears to be part of a larger context, likely related to educational development teachers must have ideas on how to design and implement these strategies using a descriptive qualitative approach with data collected through direct observation of learning activities, interviews, and documentation. The analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes the stages of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that teachers develop children's language skills through storytelling, interactive conversations, singing, and the use of self-made pictures and simple teaching aids. Based on interviews, these strategies not only enrich the vocabulary of early childhood language but also encourage children to be more active in speaking and interacting with their peers and teachers. Language learning associated with educational play activities has been proven to be more interesting for children in the learning process so that it seems natural, because most children tend to get bored with monotonous learning processes. Thus, children's language skills can grow and develop optimally if a teacher is creative, patient, and communicative learning environment.

This study aims to comprehensively describe the planning, implementation, and outcomes of efforts to improve students’ mastery of Arabic vocabulary through the use of picture card media in learning activities. This research employs a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted in two cycles, with each cycle consisting of two meetings. The subjects of this study were 26 fourth-grade students of SDIT Al-Fadiyah Gowa. Data were collected through vocabulary mastery tests as well as teacher and student observation sheets. The planning stage was carried out collaboratively with the teacher by preparing appropriate learning instruments, while the implementation of the actions was systematically monitored using observation guidelines. The results indicate a significant improvement in students’ Arabic vocabulary mastery. In the first cycle, the average learning achievement reached 70%. After refining the instructional strategies in the second cycle, the achievement increased to 86%, showing a 16% improvement. These findings demonstrate that the use of picture card media is effective in creating more engaging, interactive, and meaningful learning experiences. Consequently, it contributes positively to enhancing the Arabic vocabulary mastery of fourth-grade students in a measurable and observable manner.

Reading comprehension, especially in personal letter texts, is challenging for many Indonesian high school students due to limited vocabulary and low motivation. Blooket, a game-based learning platform, offers potential to improve engagement and learning outcomes.Objective: This research aims to examine the effectiveness of Blooket learning media in improving students’ reading comprehension of personal letters at Grade XI of SMA PGRI Pekanbaru. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was used. The sample consisted of 39 students, divided into an experimental group taught with Blooket and a control group taught conventionally. Pre-tests and post-tests (25 multiple-choice items) were administered, and data were analyzed using normality, homogeneity, The experimental group’s mean score increased from 55.21 to 84.96, while the control group improved from 51.53 to 72.00. The paired sample t-test yielded p = 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a significant effect of Blooket on reading comprehension. Blooket’s interactive and competitive features effectively enhanced students’ reading comprehension of personal letters, motivation, and participation, making it a valuable alternative for teaching short functional texts in EFL classrooms.