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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.

This research investigates the effectiveness of digital storytelling as a supplementary tool for lexical fact retrieval and sustainable retention of EFL vocabulary among middle school learners. The research was conducted in particular Islamic School in Gresik, Indonesia. The selected participants were 38 eight-grade EFL learners, divided into experimental and control groups. Vocabulary knowledge was assessed through pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test conducted after two weeks. The independent sample t-test showed a significantly greater mean improvement in the digital storytelling (DST) group compared to the control group (MD = 8.04, p < .001). The vocabulary retention proved by the result of paired sample t-test which show consistency on the students’ delayed test result (p > .005). This study contributes to the growing literature on digital storytelling and its impact on lexical support. The method proved that DST is effective to enhance students’ vocabulary retention through related multimedia. Digital Storytelling enhance students’ focus and motivation to participate in class.

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 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.

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 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.

The development of digital technology has made social media an integral part of children's lives, including students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI). This study aims to explore the impact of social media on the language patterns of class 5C students at MI Hasyim Asy'ari. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and participant observations of 14 students who regularly access social media. The findings show that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are the main sources of new vocabulary acquisition, such as the terms "kepo", "narsis", and "anjir". These words reflect changes in students' language styles that are increasingly informal and often deviate from standard Indonesian language rules. Although social media can contribute to enriching vocabulary and increasing children's interest in communicating, negative impacts such as the dominance of slang, misuse of meaning, and reduced concern for the correct use of Indonesian are also very real. Therefore, the role of educators and parents in supervising and directing the use of social media is very important. The language learning curriculum in schools needs to be adjusted to the development of the digital era without abandoning appropriate linguistic values. With the right strategy, social media can be used as a useful language learning tool without reducing the essence of Indonesian as a national identity.

Reading is a vital skill for knowledge acquisition, yet many students struggle due to pronunciation challenges influenced by their native language, limited vocabulary, and ineffective reading strategies. This study aims to analyze the students challenge on reading comprehension through English text book faced by 11th-grade Multimedia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the research involved observations and questionnaires administered to a sample of 15 students who scored below 70 on their first-semester exams. Findings revealed that pronunciation issues hindered reading fluency and comprehension, corroborating previous studies that indicated high percentages of difficulty in identifying detailed information and understanding text structure. While some students displayed progress in vocabulary response, overall comprehension remained a significant challenge. This research underscores the necessity for targeted instructional strategies that address pronunciation, vocabulary development, and reading fluency. Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to enhance reading comprehension, thereby fostering greater engagement with English texts among students.

This research aims to enhance students' English technical competence by implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) for the English for Mechanical Engineering course at Politeknik Negeri Fakfak. However, the setting of this research is rooted in students' difficulties in understanding technical terms and applying English in engineering work environments. Implementing a participatory action research model with descriptive qualitative approaches, the research was conducted among 50 students of two classes. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. The findings showed that 88% of students perceived the learning material as highly relevant, 84% reported improved mastery over technical vocabulary, and 90% reported greater collaboration and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the intervention fostered active learning behaviors, peer leadership, and a positive shift towards more favorable attitudes among students towards English as a professional tool. These findings confirm that PBL is a valuable approach to English language learning contextualization in the vocational education context, enhancing the development of both language and soft skills. The research proposes wider implementation of PBL across technical curricula to improve educational outcomes in correspondence with industry requirements.

The purpose of this Community Service activity is to assist teachers in developing reading teaching materials based on Micro Reading Skills, which serve as the foundation for improving reading skills and addressing challenges related to reading English texts. This initiative was carried out using a mentoring approach, which included presentations, hands-on practices, and demonstrations to engage teachers effectively. The methodology employed to assess the progress involved qualitative data analysis, which was based on direct observation of changes in teachers' abilities to apply the micro reading skills taught during the mentoring sessions. The activity focused on key components of micro reading skills, such as vocabulary acquisition, sentence comprehension, cohesive devices, theme-rheme relationships, and thematic progression patterns, which are essential to overcoming reading challenges. Teachers were equipped with strategies to decode complex texts and improve reading comprehension through the identification of these components. One of the significant outcomes of this program was the noticeable increase in teachers' understanding of how to implement these micro reading skills to address the difficulties students face while reading English texts. The participants' enthusiasm and active involvement during the mentoring sessions were inspiring, and the teachers expressed a strong desire to deepen their knowledge and continue developing specialized teaching materials focused on reading skills. This community service activity has not only provided immediate knowledge to the teachers but also sparked a lasting interest in refining their instructional approaches. Furthermore, the enhanced capabilities of the teachers will contribute to better student outcomes in reading comprehension, making this community service initiative an invaluable investment in both the professional development of teachers and the academic success of students.

This study examines the implementation of the Duolingo application in teaching English skills to eleventh-grade students at SMA Negeri 1 Tasifeto Timur. With the increasing integration of technology in education, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Duolingo as a tool for enhancing language acquisition and engagementt among learners. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes student performance, engagement levels, and overall satisfaction with the application compared to traditional teaching methods. The results indicate a significant improvement in vocabulary retention, grammatical proficiency, and conversational skills among students utilizing Duolingo. Additionally, qualitative feedback highlights the app's user-friendly interface and gamified learning experience as motivating factors.

Language ability is a cornerstone in early childhood development, influencing almost every aspect of life, from social interaction to cognitive skills. A rich vocabulary, the ability to understand instructions, and clear self-expression are important indicators of successful language development. Language plays a very important role in helping children build relationships with others. The process of language acquisition is not something that happens naturally without stimulus, but is highly influenced by the environment where a child grows and develops. The two main environments that play a crucial role in shaping a child's language skills are the family and the school environment.

This study aims to examine the role of interactive play in early childhood language development in Sipolu-polu Village, Panyabungan District. Interactive games are a fun and educational approach that supports children's language skills, particularly vocabulary acquisition, sentence structure, storytelling ability, and two-way communication. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. The subjects were children aged 4–6 years involved in interactive play activities within non-formal education settings and their home environments. The findings show that interactive games, such as role-playing, picture puzzles, and educational digital games, have a positive impact on children's language development. Children became more verbally active, followed instructions better, and could express ideas and stories in a more structured manner. Therefore, interactive games are proven to play a significant role as an effective learning medium in developing early childhood language skills in the community of Sipolu-polu Village.