Building Vocabulary and Confidence in Speaking through Alphabet Box Learning in EFL Classrooms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62951/ijer.v2i2.344Keywords:
Vocabulary, Speaking Confidence, Alphabet Box, EFL StudentsAbstract
This research focuses on improving English vocabulary and speaking confidence among students in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms through the implementation of Alphabet Box Learning. Many EFL students struggle with limited vocabulary and a lack of confidence when speaking, which hinders their communicative competence. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Alphabet Box Learning in addressing these problems by providing an engaging and student-centered learning experience. The study employed a quasi-experimental method involving 65 students of SMP Kristen 1 Soe. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests, classroom observations, and student questionnaires to assess improvements in vocabulary mastery and speaking confidence. The findings revealed that students who participated in Alphabet Box Learning activities showed significant gains in vocabulary acquisition and their willingness to speak in class were increased. The interactive nature of the method, which combines visual, tactile, and verbal elements, created a supportive environment that encouraged active participation and reduced speaking anxiety. In conclusion, Alphabet Box Learning is an effective instructional strategy for enhancing both vocabulary and speaking confidence among EFL learners. Its implementation provides meaningful, engaging, and low-anxiety language learning experiences, making it a valuable addition to communicative language teaching practices.
References
Arianto, R. S., Juhana, J., & Ruminda, R. (2023). Building students’ confidence in speaking English through differentiated instruction. Lectura: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(2), 276–287. https://doi.org/10.31849/lectura.v14i2.14806
Aziz, A. A., Ismail, N. H., Ahmad, F., & Hassan, H. (2015). A framework for students’ academic performance analysis using naïve Bayes classifier. Jurnal Teknologi, 75(3), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v75.5037
Baracheta, N. S. M. (2024). Skills, confidence and challenges in speaking English among indigenous college students. International Journal of Religion, 5(9), 253–265. https://doi.org/10.61707/1t7btd62
Bawawa, M. (2020). Teaching English vocabulary using songs to develop students’ vocabulary mastery. Kajian Linguistik, 8(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.35796/kaling.8.1.2020.29099
Bin Jwair, A. A. (2023). Improving middle-school students’ English vocabulary via digital storytelling. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 13(6), 195–211. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2023-0158
Budiman, M. A., Widyaningrum, A., & Azizah, M. (2020). Improving spelling learning in primary school age through songs. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 4(4), 614–620. [Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0Hq0fjT3r4]
Chowdhury, M., et al. (2024). Digital game-based language learning for vocabulary development. Computers and Education: Open, 6(December 2023), Article 100160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2024.100160
Destianingsih, A., & Satria, A. (2017). A study on the effectiveness of using web-based English learning media for new-coming students of POLBENG. Inovish Journal, 2(2), 96. https://doi.org/10.35314/inovish.v2i2.236
Fernandika, R., Jonemaro, E. M. A., & ... (2022). Aplikasi edukasi pembelajaran interaktif alfabet anak menggunakan teknologi augmented reality. Jurnal Teknologi Informasi dan Ilmu Komputer, 6(10), 4811–4819. https://j-ptiik.ub.ac.id/index.php/j-ptiik/article/view/11695
Kusmaryati, S. E. (2018). A model of communicative teaching and learning of English vocabulary through interactive activities. Prominent, 1(1), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.24176/pro.v1i1.2488
Kusumah, R., & Anisya, R. (2024). Efektivitas penggunaan media kotak alfabet dan gambar terhadap kemampuan membaca siswa kelas II SDN 1 Kertayasa. Jurnal Lensa Pendas, 9(1), 75–81. https://doi.org/10.33222/jlp.v9i1.3455
Leba, S. M. R., Butarbutar, R., & Werang, B. R. (2021). Exploring the English learning strategies of an indigenous Papuan student of Indonesia. The Qualitative Report, 26(9), 2745–2768. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4881
Lestari, P. I. (2023). Exploring students’ attribution: Why did students fail in their online basic grammar class? Journal of English Education, 9(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.20885/jee.v9i1.28046
Liberna, H. (2012). Peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis siswa melalui penggunaan metode IMPROVE pada materi sistem persamaan linear dua variabel. Formatif: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA, 2(23), 190–197.
Maji, E., Samanhudi, U., & Mokoagouw, M. E. (2022). Students’ difficulties in speaking English: A case study in SMKN 3 Sorong. Soscied, 5(1), 95–109.
Nasyirah, U., Rahman, A., & Wello, M. B. (2023). The use of short story as a teaching vocabulary resource to the second grade of Babul Khaer Islamic Boarding School Bulukumba. Tamaddun, 22(1), 85–96. https://doi.org/10.33096/tamaddun.v22i1.317
Nguyen Thi Thu, H. (2022). Psychological factors affecting English speaking skills among Vietnamese students. Journal of Science and Social Science, 67(4), 153–162. https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1067.2022-0070
Permangil, J. F. (2024). Demystifying the indigenous college students’ learning of English as determined by their language learning motivation. International Journal of Asian Education, 5(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.46966/ijae.v5i1.365
Rashid, H., & Hui, W. (2022). The importance of vocabulary in teaching and learning in applied linguistics. [Journal name missing], 6(March), 541–550.
Sari Ayu, E., & Dwi Prastyo, Y. (2023). Exploring students’ motivation in learning English at English Laboratory of UBL. English Language Education Curriculum Trends. https://doi.org/10.37301/elect.v2i1.74
Score, C., & PsyArXiv, T. D. (n.d.). ANCOVA versus change score for the analysis of two-wave data. PsyArXiv. https://psyarxiv.com
Suberti, E. (2023). Meningkatkan kemampuan mengenal huruf pada anak usia 4–5 tahun dengan menggunakan permainan kotak alfabet. Jurnal Plamboyan Edu, 1(2), 186–197.
Yolageldili, G. (2024). Effectiveness of using games in teaching grammar to young learners. [Journal name missing]. (Original work published 2011)
Yuliawati, F., & Faida, I. (2024). Alphabet box as a media for letter pronunciation to introduce English for [presumably young learners]. [Journal name missing], 7(5), 1145–1152.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Educational Research

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.