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This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the media-assisted differentiation method in improving the ability to memorize Arabic vocabulary in grade III students of MI Salamah. The background of this study is based on the phenomenon of low student ability in memorizing vocabulary due to teaching techniques that tend to be monotonous and repetitive, thus less motivating students to learn actively. This study uses the Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach referring to the John Elliot model, which is implemented in two cycles, each including the planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The subjects of the study were 26 grade III students. Data were collected through oral examinations, interviews, and observations of teaching and learning activities. The results of the study showed a significant increase in students' ability to memorize vocabulary after the application of the media-assisted differentiation method. In Cycle I, the average percentage of student and teacher activity achievement was 72%, with only 61.54% of students being able to reach the memory test passing standard. After the strategy improvement in Cycle II, the average student and teacher activity increased to 90%, while the percentage of students reaching the memory test passing standard jumped to 92.30%. This improvement demonstrates that the differentiation method, which utilizes learning media, provides more varied, engaging stimuli, and is tailored to each student's learning characteristics. The conclusion of this study is that the media-assisted differentiation method is effective in improving elementary school students' memorization of Arabic vocabulary. The implication of this finding is the importance of teachers implementing creative, adaptive, and media-based learning approaches to optimize Arabic language learning outcomes, particularly vocabulary mastery.

The rapid development of technology has introduced various language learning resources, including podcasts, which offer authentic audio input but are often underutilized and lack structured application in EFL classrooms. Integrating gamification into podcasts represents a promising approach to enhance students’ engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of gamified podcasts on EFL students’ listening comprehension, learning motivation, and content retention. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving university-level EFL students divided into an experimental group (gamified podcasts with interactive quizzes, leaderboards, and badges) and a control group (non-gamified podcasts). Pre-tests and post-tests assessed listening comprehension, motivation, and retention, with statistical comparisons conducted using t-tests and ANOVA. The results indicate that students exposed to gamified podcasts demonstrated significant improvements in listening comprehension, motivation, and retention compared to their peers in the control group. The interactive and competitive elements of gamification encouraged repeated engagement, active participation, and deeper cognitive processing of audio materials, which strengthened long-term memory and overall learning outcomes. These findings suggest that gamified podcast-based learning not only enriches traditional listening practices but also fosters a more engaging, motivating, and effective EFL learning environment. Consequently, integrating gamification into podcast instruction is recommended as an innovative strategy to support language acquisition and enhance students’ sustained involvement in learning activities.