The Effectiveness of Crosswords: Learn English Words Application on Vocabulary Mastery for Seventh Grade Students

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Crosswords: Learn English Words application in improving the vocabulary proficiency of 7th-grade students at SMP N 1 Kedungbanteng. The study was motivated by students' difficulties in acquiring vocabulary and the need for interactive digital learning media. The method used was a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest non-equivalent control-group design. The sample consisted of two groups, each comprising 32 students: class VII B (experimental) and VII F (control), selected through cluster random sampling. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test based on N-gain scores. The results showed a statistically significant difference (Asymp (Sig) = 0.013), thus accepting the hypothesis. The average score of the experimental class increased sharply from 72.1 to 88.4 with an average N-gain of 65%. In contrast, the control group increased only from 74.1 to 80.3, with an average N-gain of 32%. Based on the N-gain classification, the use of this application in the experimental class was categorized as "Quite Effective" for improving students' mastery of English vocabulary. The significant difference in learning outcomes between the experimental and control classes confirms that integrating game-based digital media is an effective and relevant solution for supporting vocabulary learning at the junior high school level.