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This study investigates the effect of game-based learning through Tic Tac Toe on improving the speaking skills of fifth-grade Thai students at Ban Elerd School. A pre-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test was employed, involving 17 participants. The intervention consisted of three sessions using Tic Tac Toe to enhance vocabulary, fluency, and pronunciation. The findings indicate significant improvements in students’ speaking abilities, particularly in vocabulary and fluency, with mean scores increasing from 3.12 (pre-test) to 3.86 (post-test). However, pronunciation improvement was not statistically significant, suggesting the need for additional targeted instruction. These results underscore the effectiveness of Tic-Tac-Toe as a game-based learning tool, fostering engagement and reducing anxiety in language learning. This study concludes that game-based learning can effectively support language development in elementary school contexts, particularly in vocabulary acquisition and fluency enhancement.

This study aims to map the trajectory of syntactic acquisition in three-year-old children through syntactic patterns and communicative functions in naturalistic interaction. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from native Indonesian-speaking children were collected over a period of 1.5 months through the involve-conversation technique. Analysis of 80 utterances using frequency distribution, Mean Length of Utterance (MLU), and functional grammar revealed a dominant Subject–Verb–Object (S–V–O) structure (30%) and an MLU of 5.82 morphemes. These findings indicate a developmental transition from telegraphic speech to early multi-clause constructions, reflecting increasing linguistic complexity. Cognitive compensation is marked by the use of pragmatic particles and non-canonical sentence patterns driven by ideational, interpersonal, and textual functions. The results support the usage-based hypothesis, suggesting that early syntactic development is functional, sequential, and non-linear in nature. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of interactional experience in shaping emerging grammatical competence. This classification serves as a micro-longitudinal assessment tool and provides a pedagogical basis for scaffolding interventions aimed at stabilizing complex linguistic patterns and enhancing language development in early childhood education settings.

Arabic language instruction in various educational institutions today is still dominated by the structuralist paradigm, which emphasizes the mechanical memorization of patterns and repetition without addressing aspects of linguistic creativity. This study aims to explore the essence of Generative-Transformational Linguistic Theory proposed by Noam Chomsky and to formulate innovative ways to implement it in Arabic language learning. The approach taken in this study is qualitative, specifically a literature review (library research). Data were collected through primary and secondary literature, which were then examined using content analysis methods through the steps of simplification., categorization, and interpretation. The research findings indicate that Generative-Transformative Theory shifts the focus of learning from imitation to creation through the use of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD). Through the dichotomy of deep structure and surface structure, students are guided to perform various transformational operations such as substitution (al-ibdal), expansion (al-ittisa’), elision (al-hadzf), and addition (al-ziyadah). This principle is also found to align with the classical linguist Ibn Jinni’s thoughts on the concepts of Asl and Furu’. This research suggests that teachers of grammar and word structure should change how they teach strategies into a cognitive-creative process that enables students to independently and authentically generate an unlimited number of new utterances.

This study investigates the role of Google Translate in supporting English vocabulary learning among junior high school students in the digital era. The research employs a qualitative approach involving seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 19 Medan. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test, classroom observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that Google Translate significantly helps students understand vocabulary more quickly, improves their learning efficiency, and increases their confidence in completing English tasks. Students also demonstrate greater autonomy in exploring new vocabulary independently. However, the study also identifies challenges, particularly students’ tendency to rely excessively on direct translation without fully understanding context, which may lead to superficial learning. Therefore, teacher guidance is essential to ensure the effective and critical use of this tool. The study concludes that Google Translate can serve as a valuable learning resource when integrated appropriately into classroom instruction. The findings contribute to the development of technology-enhanced language learning and provide practical implications for teachers in utilizing digital tools effectively.

English learning at the elementary school level plays an important role in developing students’ early language competence, particularly in listening skills as the foundation for other language abilities. However, many learning processes still rely on conventional teaching methods that do not fully accommodate the developmental characteristics of young learners, resulting in limited engagement and listening comprehension. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role of storytelling in improving English listening skills among elementary school students and to identify effective implementation strategies in classroom learning. This research employs a library research method by reviewing and analyzing various relevant literature sources, including books, scientific journals, and previous research findings related to storytelling in English language learning. The analysis shows that storytelling contributes significantly to improving students’ listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, attention, and learning motivation. Through structured narratives, expressive delivery, and the support of visual media, storytelling creates a contextual and meaningful learning environment that helps students understand spoken English more effectively. The findings also indicate that the effectiveness of storytelling is closely related to the developmental characteristics of elementary school students who learn better through concrete, imaginative, and engaging experiences. Furthermore, the implementation of storytelling through systematic stages pre-listening, while-listening, and post-listening can enhance students participation and comprehension during the learning process. In conclusion, storytelling can be considered an effective instructional strategy for improving English listening skills among elementary school students while also supporting vocabulary development and creating an engaging learning atmosphere.

Education involves acquiring knowledge and skills, with English learning being a skill-based process that requires consistent and engaging practice. In the digital era, mobile applications have emerged as effective tools to overcome traditional limitations in language learning. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Duolingo application in enhancing English vocabulary among university students. A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed involving 40 first-semester Pharmacy students at Anwar Medika University. Participants engaged in daily Duolingo practice (20 XP per day) for 30 consecutive days. Data were collected through vocabulary pretest and posttest as well as a Likert-scale questionnaire. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant improvement in vocabulary scores, with the mean score increasing from 57.25 in the pretest to 81.70 in the posttest. Questionnaire results indicated high student motivation, positive perceptions of the app’s usefulness and ease of use, and minimal perceived disadvantages. The findings suggest that daily Duolingo practice is an effective, engaging, and accessible method for boosting English vocabulary acquisition. This study provides practical insights for educators seeking innovative technology-integrated approaches to language teaching.

Vocabulary acquisition is a fundamental component of English language learning because it enables students to comprehend texts and develop broader communication skills. In elementary school contexts, however, vocabulary instruction is frequently delivered through traditional teaching practices that are not closely related to students’ real-life experiences. As a result, students often face difficulties in understanding and retaining new vocabulary. One potential approach to address this issue is the integration of local wisdom into learning activities so that the materials become more contextual and meaningful for learners. Therefore, this study aims to examine how the incorporation of local cultural elements can support vocabulary development among elementary school students. This research employed a descriptive qualitative design using a library research method. The data were gathered from various academic sources, including national and international journal articles, scholarly books, and conference proceedings that discuss English language learning, vocabulary development, and the integration of local wisdom in educational practices. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis by identifying, comparing, and synthesizing relevant findings from previous studies. The results indicate that the use of local cultural content, such as folklore, traditional practices, and community-based contexts, can significantly support students in understanding and remembering new vocabulary items. Learning materials that reflect students’ cultural backgrounds also contribute to higher levels of learning motivation and classroom participation. In conclusion, integrating local wisdom into English learning can create a more meaningful instructional environment and effectively support vocabulary mastery among elementary school students.

This study aims to examine the use of picture books as a visual literacy medium in teaching English at the elementary school level, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This research employed a qualitative descriptive literature review by analyzing relevant national and international journal articles published within the last five years. The findings indicate that the integration of visual and verbal elements in picture books contributes significantly to students’ language development, especially in vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and meaning construction. From an affective perspective, the use of picture books enhances students’ motivation, learning interest, classroom participation, and reduces language learning anxiety. The effectiveness of visual media is theoretically supported by Dual Coding Theory, which explains that information processed through both verbal and visual channels strengthens memory retention and comprehension. However, several challenges remain, including the selection of appropriate picture books and teachers’ limited competence in visual literacy. Therefore, systematic instructional planning and professional development for teachers are essential to optimize the use of picture books in EFL classrooms at the elementary level.

Globalization and technological developments require students to have global competencies, one of which is English language skills. This study aims to examine the urgency of English learning in elementary schools (SD) in preparing students' global competencies through a literature review. The method used is a qualitative research approach with a literature study sourced from scientific journals, academic books, and relevant educational documents from 2020–2025. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques through data reduction, grouping themes, and synthesis of findings. The results of the study indicate that elementary school age is the optimal phase for language acquisition, so that early English learning can improve students' communication skills, digital literacy, and cultural openness. Communicative and contextual learning has been proven effective in increasing student motivation and self-confidence. Despite challenges such as limited teacher competence and students' fear of speaking English, English learning in elementary schools remains a crucial investment in preparing a generation ready to face global demands.

Unlike Indo-European languages, Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and most other Austronesian languages lack grammatical tense marking, presenting a fundamental typological difference with significant implications for linguistic theory and second language acquisition. This study investigates how Indonesian expresses temporal reference without grammatical tense, comparing it with tensed languages, and exploring the cognitive and typological implications of tenselessness. We employed a mixed-methods approach combining: corpus analysis of 5,000 Indonesian sentences; comparative linguistic analysis with English and Mandarin Chinese; psycholinguistic experiments with 200 native Indonesian speakers; and a cross-linguistic survey of 15 Austronesian languages. Results revealed that Indonesian expresses temporality primarily through lexical temporal markers (sudah, sedang, akan) in 68.3% of contexts, temporal adverbials (82.1%), and contextual inference (34.5%). Psycholinguistic experiments showed no processing disadvantage for Indonesian speakers in temporal reasoning tasks compared to English speakers. Cross-linguistic analysis confirmed that 86.7% of surveyed Austronesian languages lack grammatical tense, suggesting tenselessness represents a stable inherited feature of the family. Indonesian's tenseless system represents not a linguistic deficit but an alternative, equally sophisticated means of temporal expression. These findings challenge universal claims about tense as a necessary grammatical category and have significant implications for linguistictypology, second language pedagogy, and theories of universal grammar.

This study aims to analyze the underlying causes of low interest in Arabic language learning and to formulate pedagogical solutions through the integration of Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL), Cooperative Learning, and the PAKEM (Active, Creative, Effective, and Joyful Learning) framework. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach with a library research method, this study critically analyzes data to identify epistemological, affective, and pedagogical barriers in Arabic instruction, while exploring the potential interventions of the three aforementioned strategies.The findings indicate that the decline in student interest is primarily driven by material abstraction, language anxiety, and passive instructional methods. The integration of these three strategies offers a complementary and holistic solution: CTL addresses cognitive barriers by contextualizing material into meaningful learning experiences; Cooperative Learning mitigates affective obstacles by fostering psychological safety through peer support; and PAKEM overcomes motoric-engagement barriers by stimulating joyful, active participation. The synergy of these strategies effectively shifts the instructional paradigm from passive-instructional to active-participatory, fundamentally reconstructing and enhancing student engagement and interest in Arabic language acquisition.

Listening skills are frequently regarded as the most challenging aspect of English language acquisition due to the complexity of the cognitive processes involved. In an orphanage environment, limited access to learning resources remains a primary obstacle to the development of this competence. This community outreach initiative aims to sharpen the listening skills of children at the Bonang Orphanage in Banjarmasin through the integration of subtitled YouTube videos and interactive repetition drill techniques. The implementation method involved 20 children selected via purposive sampling, utilizing a one-group pretest-posttest design. The intervention procedure encompassed the presentation of listening strategies, interactive discussions, and structured repetition exercises designed to build phonological automaticity. Quantitative evaluation results indicated a significant improvement, with the participants' mean score rising from 82.9 on the pretest to 86.7 on the posttest, with a maximum achievement score of 94. The discussion reveals that the use of subtitles serves as a visual scaffolding mechanism that facilitates sound-to-form mapping, while repetition drills strengthen the participants' working memory. Overall, the utilization of digital media and repetitive exercises proved effective in lowering cognitive barriers and increasing the participants' active engagement in English language learning.

Storytelling has been widely recognized as an effective method for teaching English to young learners because it presents language in meaningful and engaging contexts. This study aims to explore the implementation of storytelling in teaching English to primary school students and to examine the perceived benefits and challenges from the teacher’s perspective. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design involving one English teacher who taught Grade 6 students at SDN 261 Pinrang. The participant was selected through purposive sampling due to her experience in applying storytelling activities in English instruction at the lower primary level. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and documentation, including lesson plans and teaching materials related to storytelling used in the classroom. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis by identifying recurring themes related to classroom implementation, student responses, perceived benefits, and instructional challenges. The findings reveal that storytelling was mainly implemented in listening and speaking activities using simple and familiar stories, visual aids, and follow-up tasks such as comprehension questions and story retelling. According to the teacher, storytelling contributed positively to students’ listening skills, vocabulary acquisition, motivation, and confidence in using English. Students showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and willingness to participate during storytelling sessions compared to traditional teaching methods. However, several challenges were also identified, including difficulty in selecting age-appropriate and culturally relevant stories, limited instructional time, large class size, and the teacher’s need for further training in designing effective storytelling activities. Despite these challenges, the study concludes that storytelling can create a positive and supportive learning environment when it is carefully planned and supported by adequate teacher preparation. The findings highlight the importance of instructional support to maximize the effectiveness of storytelling in primary EFL classrooms.

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.

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.

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.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the application of direct and indirect methods in teaching English, specifically the topic of "Telling Time," at MTs Al-Amiriyyah through microteaching practice. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects consist of an English teacher and the students of class VIII A. The data were thematically analyzed to identify significant patterns in the teaching process. The findings indicate that the direct method is effective in building students' foundational understanding of time concepts, as it emphasizes explicit and concrete use of the target language and allows teachers to easily assess students' comprehension through drilling. On the other hand, the indirect method proved to enhance students’ ability to use English more naturally through contextual activities such as role play and daily schedule games. Moreover, students with kinesthetic learning styles responded more positively to the indirect method, as it enables them to learn through physical activity and direct participation. These findings suggest that a combination of both methods yields optimal results: the direct method is effective for the initial stage of concept acquisition, while the indirect method supports the development of communicative skills in a functional and enjoyable manner, aligning with students' characteristics.

Parental involvement is widely acknowledged as a key factor in student academic success, particularly in second language acquisition. However, its impact at the university level, especially among pre-service English teachers, remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between parental involvement and English language achievement among first-year English Education students at Universitas Islam Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari Banjarmasin (UNISKA). Employing a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 36 purposively selected participants using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. The instrument measured both the forms and frequency of parental involvement and students’ self-reported performance in English-related subjects. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation via SPSS 26. Findings indicate that students generally perceive moderate to high levels of parental involvement, especially in providing academic resources, financial support, and attending university-related events. However, involvement in educational decision-making and career discussions was notably low. A significant positive correlation was found between parental involvement and students' academic performance, particularly in aspects such as discipline, assignment completion, and encouragement. Emotional impacts such as increased motivation or reduced anxiety showed more mixed responses. These findings highlight the enduring influence of parental support in higher education and suggest further exploration of its emotional dimensions.

This community service program aims to introduce basic English vocabulary to Kindergarten students through the medium of bilingual songs. The background of this activity is the limitation of interactive learning media and the dominance of traditional methods that are less attractive for early childhood. Bilingual songs were chosen because they have a simple rhythm, easy to remember lyrics, and are able to create a fun and contextual learning atmosphere. The method used is the Participatory Action Learning System approach which includes the preparation stage, flexible action, and reflection. Bilingual songs are inserted at the transition moments of class activities and combined with simple movements to stimulate natural vocabulary acquisition. The results of the observations showed a significant improvement in children's language skills: most students were able to remember new vocabulary, enthusiasm for learning increased, and active participation in singing together was higher. Teachers also reported that the use of bilingual songs helped keep children's attention and created a positive learning atmosphere. Overall, this activity proves that bilingual songs are an effective, fun, and appropriate medium for children's developmental stages to strengthen mastery of basic English vocabulary. This program is recommended to be applied continuously in daily learning activities in kindergarten classrooms.

Vocabulary acquisition is fundamental to language proficiency, yet retention remains a persistent cognitive challenge for students. Conventional rote-learning strategies often fail to facilitate long-term recall. This study examines the effectiveness of the keyword technique in improving students’ vocabulary mastery. Employing a quantitative quasi-experimental design, the research involved 48 students selected through cluster random sampling. The samples were separated into two groups: an experimental group of 26 students (taught by using the keyword technique) and a control group of 22 students (taught by using conventional strategy). Data were collected using a validated multiple-choice vocabulary test administered before and after the treatment. This result validates a notable difference in outcomes where the experimental group demonstrated better performance; consequently, the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (H0). These findings confirm that the Keyword Technique significantly enhances vocabulary mastery by leveraging acoustic and imagery associations. Consequently, this strategy is recommended to foster more effective vocabulary retention.