The Use of Body Language to Enhance Students’ Vocabulary Learning

Abstrak

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using body language to improve students’ vocabulary mastery. The study was conducted at SMPN Unggulan 3 Pulau Morotai, involving 37 students at class VII-A and VII-B. A quantitative pre-experimental design using a one group pre-test and post-test model was employed. Data were collected through a pre-test, six treatment sessions integrating body language into vocabulary teaching and a post-test. The results showed a significant increase in students’ vocabulary scores, with an average increase from 23.08 (pre-test) to 75.95 (post-test). The data were analyses using SPSS Windows 22. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirmed that this increase was significant (asymptotic significances = 0.00 < 0.05). The findings suggest that incorporating body language into vocabulary teaching is an effective strategy, as it makes learning more interactive, interesting and meaningful. This method helps with word retention and builds students’ confidence in using English. This study suggests that teachers should implement body language in the classroom and encourages further research into its impact on other language skill.