THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WORD CHAIN GAME TO TEACH VOCABULARY IN AN ISLAMIC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (A Case Study at the Seventh Grade of an Islamic Junior High School in Tasikmalaya)

Abstract

Vocabulary is a basic component and the most important thing learned in English language. However, the students still faced problems in mastering vocabulary which were also worsen by Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, this study investigated the implementation of Word Chain Game to teach vocabulary in an Islamic Junior High School. The purposes were to figure out the teacher‟s steps on the implementation of Word Chain Game in teaching and learning vocabulary and to analyze the teacher and students‟ perceptions on the implementation of Word Chain Game in teaching and learning vocabulary. This case study was conducted to the English teacher and 22 students at the seventh grade of an Islamic Junior High School in Tasikmalaya. Three instruments in form of the observation, the interview, and the questionnaires were administered. The data were analyzed by using triangulation analysis. The findings indicated that Word Chain Game was implemented by the teacher in teaching and learning vocabulary through ten steps. The findings also indicated that the teacher and the students perceived positively on the implementation of Word Chain Game in teaching and learning vocabulary because it improved their knowledge, mastery, participation, interest, and motivation in learning vocabulary. However, some of them still shy, passive, afraid, and anxious to play it. To overcome the difficulties, the teacher encouraged, guided, and promoted their interest and motivation in learning vocabulary. Based on the findings, the English teachers should encourage the students to implement Word Chain Game in teaching vocabulary. Meanwhile, the students should be motivated and interested in learning vocabulary by implementing Word Chain Game. In addition, the other researchers can use the result of this study in carrying out further studies because it gives a valuable reference and information